Article Details - Overview
Oncology Consultations Vol. 5, No. 2
Release Date: November 21, 2008
Expiration Date: November 21, 2009
Publication Overview
Authors
Case by:
Vincent Miller, MD
Katharine Price, MD; Ramaswamy Govindan, MD; Vincent Miller, MD
Overview and Purpose
Agents inhibiting angiogenesis or signaling through epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have improved response and survival compared to standard regimens in patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Recent clinical studies have been undertaken to expand the therapeutic reach of antiangiogenic and anti-EGFR agents. The only currently approved antiangiogenic agent in NSCLC is an antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); however, patients with brain metastases have been excluded from receiving anti-VEGF antibodies due to concern over bleeding. Preliminary results from prospective studies suggest that patients with treated brain metastases might safely receive anti-VEGF antibodies as part of a therapeutic regimen. Inhibitors of EGFR tyrosine kinase (TK) activity have demonstrated the greatest efficacy in patients with EGFR gene mutations or amplification as well as in never-smokers and patients of East Asian ethnicity. Recent trials have been designed to test EGFR TK inhibitors (TKIs) as single-agent frontline therapy in patient cohorts enriched for characteristics associated with response to these agents. Finally, new EGFR inhibitors are being developed as treatment options for patients who progress on first-generation EGFR TKIs.
The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on recent developments in agents inhibiting angiogenesis and EGFR signaling in NSCLC.
Target Audience
This activity 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 are required for successful participation in this activity.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, you should be able to:
- Evaluate the safety of anti-VEGF antibodies in patients with brain metastases from NSCLC
- Evaluate the feasibility of EGFR TKIs as frontline single-agent treatment of selected patient populations with advanced NSCLC
- Discuss the mechanisms of development of acquired resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies and potential therapies to overcome such resistance in patients with NSCLC
Instructions for Participation
- Read the following information before entering the educational activity.
- Complete the Pretest.
- 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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