Novel agents and strategies for overcoming EGFR TKIs resistance

Abstract

Since the recognition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a therapeutic target, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been used in lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations, which has been a major breakthrough for lung cancer treatment. The progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with EGFR mutations treated with EGFR TKIs is significantly prolonged compared with that of patients who underwent standard chemotherapy. However, all patients who initially respond to EGFR TKIs eventually develop acquired resistance (AR). Many small molecule agents and monoclonal antibodies (McAb) targeting signaling pathways are potential therapeutic regimens for overcoming resistance, and various therapeutic strategies are used in clinical practice. Here we review the novel agents and therapeutic strategies for overcoming AR to EGFR TKIs. © 2014 Niu and Wu; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.