Hype or hope - Can combination therapies with third-generation EGFR-TKIs help overcome acquired resistance and improve outcomes in EGFR-mutant advanced/metastatic NSCLC?

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2021 Oct:166:103454. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103454. Epub 2021 Aug 26.

Abstract

Three generations of epidermal growth factor receptor - tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have been developed for treating advanced/metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring EGFR-activating mutations, while a fourth generation is undergoing preclinical assessment. Although initially effective, acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs usually arises within a year due to the emergence of clones harboring multiple resistance mechanisms. Therefore, the combination of EGFR-TKIs with other therapeutic agents has emerged as a potential strategy to overcome resistance and improve clinical outcomes. However, results obtained so far are ambiguous and ideal therapies for patients who experience disease progression during treatment with EGFR-TKIs remain elusive. This review provides an updated landscape of EGFR-TKIs, along with a description of the mechanisms causing resistance to these drugs. Moreover, it discusses the current knowledge, limitations, and future perspective regarding the use of EGFR-TKIs in combination with other anticancer agents, supporting the need for bench-to-bedside approaches in selected populations.

Keywords: EGFR; EGFR-TKI; NSCLC; chemotherapy; combination therapy; targeted therapies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Mutation
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors