Long Term Therapeutic Plan for Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Harboring EGFR Mutation

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

article

Seung Hun Jang¹ 

[1] Division of Pulmonary, Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine

关键词: Receptor;    Epidermal Growth Factor;    Carcinoma;    Non-Small Cell Lung;    Drug Therapy;   

DOI  :  10.4046/trd.2014.76.1.8

学科分类：医学（综合）

来源: The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

【 摘 要 】

Non-small cell lung cancer harboring epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR ) sensitizing mutations has a distinct disease entity. Patients with this cancer have better prognosis, and frequently achieve long-term survival. EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) is the drug of choice for this cancer; but the disease inevitably progresses, after durable response. The tumor is a mixture of EGFR-TKI sensitive clones and resistant clones, regardless of their molecular mechanisms. EGFR-TKI sensitive clones are very susceptible to this drug, but rarely eradicated; so, withdrawal of the drug permits rapid regrowth of drug sensitive clones, possibly causing "disease flare." Re-administration or continuation of EGFR-TKI can effectively suppress the expansion of drug sensitive clones, even when the total tumor volume continuously increases. Chemotherapy can definitely prolong the survival of patients experiencing EGFR-TKI failure. Prospective clinical trials are warranted to compare efficacies of chemotherapeutic agents. A few retrospective studies suggested that a taxane-based regimen may be superior to others. Here, we reviewed therapeutic options and clinical evidence about this unique disease entity.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC