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Review
. 2009 Jan;10(1):59-68.
doi: 10.2217/14622416.10.1.59.

EGFR-targeted therapies in lung cancer: predictors of response and toxicity

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Review

EGFR-targeted therapies in lung cancer: predictors of response and toxicity

Rebecca Suk Heist et al. Pharmacogenomics. 2009 Jan.

Abstract

The EGFR pathway has emerged as a key target in non-small-cell lung cancer. EGF receptor (EGFR) inhibition in non-small-cell lung cancer is achieved via small molecular tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as erlotinib or gefitinib, or monoclonal antibodies such as cetuximab. A growing body of evidence is identifying potential molecular predictors of response and toxicity. This includes tumor-related molecular markers, such as EGFR mutation and copy number, as well as germline markers such as polymorphisms in EGFR or EGFR pathway-related genes. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge of predictors of response and toxicity to EGFR inhibitors in lung cancer.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Mechanisms of action of anti-EGFR drugs
Inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and invasion, metastatsis and tumor-induced neoangiogenesis. Induction of cancer cell cycle arrest and potentiation of antitumor activity of cytotoxic drugs and radiotherapy. Reproduced with permission from [2].

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