Lessons learnt from gefitinib and erlotinib: Key insights into small-molecule EGFR-targeted kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer

Improving treatment options and patient outcomes for those with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents a significant worldwide challenge. Although traditional treatment strategies are widely accepted and initially successful, many tumors still fail to respond to available drugs. Therapeutic options for patients with NSCLC are therefore moving towards more individual and personalized treatment strategies. The first-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), designed to target specific molecular pathways within the tumor, have paved the way towards tailored therapy. Promising experience with these agents has opened the door to a sudden surge of new drug advances. The development of these second-generation treatments offer the potential to further maximize patient benefit and provide greater therapeutic options for patients with advanced NSCLC. As the number of second-generation TKIs continues to grow, the efficacy and safety of new members of this class continue to be established in ongoing clinical trials. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.