EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in lung cancer: an evolving story

Annu Rev Med. 2008:59:429-42. doi: 10.1146/annurev.med.59.090506.202405.

Abstract

Drugs that target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have had a major impact on the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The use of these drugs has also motivated pivotal advances in the understanding of the molecular biology of NSCLC, including the discovery that mutations in EGFR are associated with dramatic and sustained responses to anti-EGFR treatments. This review summarizes the clinical development of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the discovery of molecular predictors of response, and the future directions for research in the field.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ErbB Receptors / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases