Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in elderly or poor performance status patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Target Oncol. 2009 Jan;4(1):37-44. doi: 10.1007/s11523-009-0104-2. Epub 2009 Jan 20.

Abstract

Elderly and poor performance status advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients often tolerate chemotherapy poorly. Special approaches are needed for these patient populations. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), erlotinib and gefitinib, are active agents in the treatment of advanced NSCLC. Several phase II trials have been conducted utilizing EGFR TKIs in elderly or poor performance status patients with advanced NSCLC. This review will summarize the results of erlotinib or gefitinib in these subsets of patients with advanced NSCLC.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aging
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / enzymology
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Disease Progression
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • Gefitinib
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Quinazolines / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Quinazolines
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Gefitinib