Role of erlotinib in first-line and maintenance treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

ABSTRACT: Erlotinib hydrochloride (Tarceva(®)) is a member of a class of small molecule inhibitors that targets the tyrosine kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), with anti-tumor activity in preclinical models. Erlotinib represents a new-generation of agents known as "targeted therapies" designed to act upon cancer cells by interfering with aberrant specific activated pathways needed for tumor growth, angiogenesis and cell survival. Since its approval in November 2004 for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after the failure of at least one prior chemotherapy regimen and with a view to improving patients' outcomes and prevent symptoms, the scientific community has evaluated the potential role of erlotinib in other scenarios such

SUBMITTER: Reguart N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3004579 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature