Article Details - Overview
Cancer Summaries & Commentaries Vol. 1, No. 2
Broadening the Horizon of Targeted Agents in Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Release Date: August 26, 2008
Expiration Date: August 26, 2009
Publication Overview
Author
PER Editorial Staff
Overview and Purpose
The current standard of care in first-line therapy for metastatic nonsquamous non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a taxane-based platinum doublet regimen combined with an anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody (MoAb). However, many patients are excluded from receiving this treatment due to safety concerns related to brain metastases or squamous cell histology. Additionally, not all patients respond, and additional treatment options are needed. Recent analyses of patients with NSCLC and brain metastases receiving anti-VEGF antibodies have demonstrated an acceptable safety profile. Efforts to increase the therapeutic ratio of first-line therapy include moretolerable cytotoxic backbones, such as antifolates and proapoptotic agents. Antibodies to insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) have also been combined with first-line platinum doublets and have yielded high response rates in patients with squamous histology. Additional treatment options are needed for patients with metastatic NSCLC who progress after first- or second-line therapy. Novel inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that in preclinical studies have demonstrated activity against tumor cells with resistance mutations in the EGFR gene are being investigated.
The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on the latest developments in targeted agents for metastatic NSCLC.
Target Audience
This publication is intended for medical oncologists involved in the care of patients with lung cancer. No specific skills or knowledge other than a basic training in oncology is required for successful participation in this activity.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, you should be able to:
- Discuss safety data on an anti-VEGF MoAb in patients with central nervous system metastases resulting from advanced NSCLC
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of a MoAb targeting VEGF with antifolate/platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line therapy for advanced nonsquamous NSCLC
- Evaluate the efficacy and adverse event profile of combining an anti–IGF-1R MoAb with first-line chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC
- Describe the feasibility of a recombinant death receptor ligand combined with standard chemotherapy and an anti-VEGF antibody in the first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC
- Evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in patients with advanced NSCLC and acquired resistance to first-generation EGFR-specific TKIs
Instructions for Participation
- Read the following information before entering the educational activity.
- Study the educational activity.
- Complete the CME test.
- Answer the evaluation questions.
- After successful completion of the CME test and evaluation, you will receive your certificate of credit online.
- CME credit will be granted for only 1 form of participation, either online or via the printed publication.
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