Gefitinib for non-small-cell lung cancer treatment

Introduction: Gefitinib is an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) that demonstrated efficacy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) across therapy lines. In the first-line setting, recent randomized Phase III trials comparing EGFR-TKIs versus platinum-based doublets demonstrated that in patients harboring an activating EGFR mutation, gefitinib is superior to chemotherapy in terms of response rate, progression-free survival, toxicity profile and quality of life, with a marginal positive effect on survival. In order to choose the best treatment, a molecular characterization is now mandatory, as part of baseline diagnostic procedures.

Areas covered: All published data on gefitinib in lung cancer were analyzed using PubMed. The aim of this review is to summarize activity and safety data from major clinical trials of gefitinib in patients with advanced NSCLC.

Expert opinion: EGFR-TKIs including gefitinib are the best option we can offer today in patients with EGFR mutation, regardless of treatment line. Administration of gefitinib to patients with advanced NSCLC is usually well-tolerated and it also appears to be feasible in special populations characterized by a significantly poorer risk:benefit ratio with standard chemotherapy, like elderly patients and patients with poor performance status.     

The role of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the first-line treatment of advanced non small cell lung cancer patients harboring EGFR mutation

Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Among lung cancers, 80% are classified as nonsmall- cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and are mostly diagnosed at an advanced stage (either locally advanced or metastatic disease). In the last years, the discovery of the pivotal role in tumorigenesis of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) has provided a new class of targeted therapeutic agents: the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Since the first reports of an association between somatic mutations in EGFR exons 19 and 21 and response to EGFR-TKIs, treatment of advanced NSCLC has changed dramatically. Histologic profile, clinical characteristics, and mutational profile of lung carcinoma have all been reported as predictive factors of response to EGFR-TKIs and other targeted therapies. In advanced NSCLC patients harboring EGFR mutations, the use of EGFR TKIs in first-line treatment has provided an unusually large progression-free survival (PFS) benefit with a negligible toxicity when compared with cytotoxic chemotherapy in phase III randomized trials. Considering the findings regarding the excellent benefit and better safety profile of EGFR TKIs in EGFR mutation positive patients, these targeted therapeutic agents can be now considered as first-line treatment in this setting of patients. This review will discuss the new evidences in the role of EGFR-TKIs in the first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC and their implication in the current clinical decision-making.     

Targeting epidermal growth factor receptor: Central signaling kinase in lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Platinum-based doublets remain the current standard therapy for advanced NSCLC. However, overall survival (OS) has reached a plateau, even with the improvement in these regimens. Advances in the knowledge of molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis have prompted the development of many novel molecular-targeted agents including the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Results of the recent phase III IPASS trial showed that the EGFR-TKI gefitinib has a superior progression-free survival (PFS) to the most commonly used platinum-based doublet carboplatin-paclitaxel as the first-line chemotherapy for pulmonary lung adenocarcinoma among nonsmokers in East Asia. This trial also demonstrated that the presence of EGFR mutation is the best predictor of gefitinib treatment compared with the other biomarkers including EGFR gene copy number. Despite the therapeutic benefit of EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC, most patients eventually develop resistance to these drugs. A secondary mutation of EGFR (T790M) and amplification of MET account for 70% of all cases of acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs. This review summarizes the significance of EGFR mutations and the mechanisms of resistance to EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC, both of which are critical for patient selection to extend survival as well as to overcome resistance in NSCLC patients treated with EGFR-TKIs.     

Gefitinib in non-small cell lung cancer

Gefitinib (Iressa^TM), an orally-active tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), is the first approved molecular-targeted drug for the management of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Two Phase II trials (IDEAL [Iressa Dose Evaluation in Advanced Lung Cancer]-1 and -2), evaluated the efficacy of gefitinib in advanced NSCLC patients who received ≤ 2 (IDEAL1) or ≥ 2 (IDEAL2) previous chemotherapy regimens. The response rate and disease control rate in IDEAL1 and -2 was 18/12% and 54/42%, respectively. The median survival time and one-year survival rate in both studies were ~ 7 months and 30%, respectively. As gefitinib has demonstrated antitumour activity and an acceptable tolerability profile not typically associated with cytotoxic adverse events, such as hematological toxicities, combinations with cytotoxic drugs have been evaluated. Disappointingly, in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced NSCLC, gefitinib 250 and 500 mg/day combined with platinum-based chemotherapy (gemcitabine/cisplatin or paclitaxel/carboplatin) did not produce prolonged survival, compared with chemotherapy alone in two large, randomised, placebo-controlled, multi-centre Phase III trials (INTACT [Iressa NSCLC Trial Assessing Combination Treatment]-1 and -2). Furthermore, in a recent randomised, placebo-controlled, Phase III trial (ISEL: IRESSA Survival Evaluation in Lung cancer), gefitinib failed to prolong survival compared with placebo in patients with advanced NSCLC who had failed one or more lines of chemotherapy. Subgroup analysis of ISEL suggested improved survival in patients of Asian origin and non-smokers. In addition, subset analyses of IDEAL and several retrospective studies have indicated that female gender, adenocarcinoma histology (especially bronchial alveolar carcinoma), non-smoker status and Asian ethnicity are factors which predict to response to gefitinib. Two types of somatic mutation clustered around the ATP binding pocket in the tyrosine kinase domain of the EGFR gene have been reported as possible surrogate biological markers for predicting response to gefitinib. Appropriate patient selection by clinical characteristics or genetical information is needed, both for future clinical trials of gefitinib and its routine use in the clinic among patients with advanced NSCLC.     

Gefitinib in non-small cell lung cancer

Gefitinib (Iressa), an orally-active tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), is the first approved molecular-targeted drug for the management of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Two Phase II trials (IDEAL [Iressa Dose Evaluation in Advanced Lung Cancer]-1 and -2), evaluated the efficacy of gefitinib in advanced NSCLC patients who received < or = 2 (IDEAL1) or > or = 2 (IDEAL2) previous chemotherapy regimens. The response rate and disease control rate in IDEAL1 and -2 was 18/12% and 54/42%, respectively. The median survival time and one-year survival rate in both studies were approximately 7 months and 30%, respectively. As gefitinib has demonstrated antitumour activity and an acceptable tolerability profile not typically associated with cytotoxic adverse events, such as hematological toxicities, combinations with cytotoxic drugs have been evaluated. Disappointingly, in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced NSCLC, gefitinib 250 and 500 mg/day combined with platinum-based chemotherapy (gemcitabine/cisplatin or paclitaxel/carboplatin) did not produce prolonged survival, compared with chemotherapy alone in two large, randomised, placebo-controlled, multi-centre Phase III trials (INTACT [Iressa NSCLC Trial Assessing Combination Treatment]-1 and -2). Furthermore, in a recent randomised, placebo-controlled, Phase III trial (ISEL: IRESSA Survival Evaluation in Lung cancer), gefitinib failed to prolong survival compared with placebo in patients with advanced NSCLC who had failed one or more lines of chemotherapy. Subgroup analysis of ISEL suggested improved survival in patients of Asian origin and non-smokers. In addition, subset analyses of IDEAL and several retrospective studies have indicated that female gender, adenocarcinoma histology (especially bronchial alveolar carcinoma), non-smoker status and Asian ethnicity are factors which predict to response to gefitinib. Two types of somatic mutation clustered around the ATP binding pocket in the tyrosine kinase domain of the EGFR gene have been reported as possible surrogate biological markers for predicting response to gefitinib. Appropriate patient selection by clinical characteristics or genetical information is needed, both for future clinical trials of gefitinib and its routine use in the clinic among patients with advanced NSCLC.     

Optimal management of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and epidermal growth factor receptor mutations

In recent years, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), gefitinib and erlotinib, which have promising activity and a favourable toxicity profile, have been used in the management of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The knowledge that EGFR-activating mutations confer sensitivity to EGFR TKIs has led to the design and analysis of phase II and III studies of gefitinib or erlotinib treatment in various clinical scenarios. We review the important NSCLC clinical trials of the efficacy of EGFR TKIs in the context of EGFR-activating mutations. In all phase II single-arm studies or phase III randomized comparative studies, EGFR TKIs as monotherapy were superior to combination chemotherapy in terms of response rate and progression-free survival in patients with activating EGFR mutations. EGFR TKIs have contributed to the superior overall survival time in NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations compared with those patients without EGFR mutations. The results of these studies have led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC. NSCLC with EGFR mutations constitutes a new entity requiring different personalized treatment strategies.     

吉非替尼与化疗用于晚期非小细胞肺癌维持治疗疗效的临床观察

目的 表皮生长因子受体酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors,EGFR-TKIs)吉非替尼及细胞毒化疗药物如吉西他滨、培美曲塞均是晚期非小细胞肺癌(Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer,NSCLC)维持治疗的有效手段,为对比两类药物维持治疗的临床疗效,我们进行了本项研究.方法 回顾性分析接受吉非替尼、吉西他滨及培美曲塞维持治疗的65例晚期NSCLC,按照所接受的维持治疗方案种类分为吉非替尼维持治疗组和化疗维持治疗组,分析两组间疾病控制率、无进展生存(Progression-Free Survival,PFS)及总生存(Overall Survival,OS)的差异.结果 65例患者34例为吉非替尼维持治疗(10例已知为EGFR基因突变患者),31例为化疗维持治疗(21例为吉西他滨维持化疗,10例为培美曲塞维持化疗),两种维持治疗方案获得的疾病控制率(70.6％比64.5％,P=0.791)、PFS(6.4月比5.0月,P=0.110)、OS(16.3月比12.0月,P=0.327)比较差异无统计学意义.分层分析发现EGFR突变状态未知时,吉非替尼对比吉西他滨、培美曲塞维持治疗PFS(4.0月比4.0月比5.0月,P=0.462)、OS(14.4月比12.0月比12.2月,P=0.540)比较差异无统计学意义,然而吉非替尼维持治疗组EGFR突变阳性患者较突变状态未知患者PFS(11.2月比4.0月,P=0.001)、OS(31.9月比14.4月,P=0.02)显著延长,差异有统计学意义.结论 晚期NSCLC吉非替尼与化疗维持治疗疗效相似.吉非替尼维持治疗EGFR突变阳性患者较未知患者有明显获益,建议晚期NSCLC予吉非替尼维持治疗时常规行EGFR突变检测.     

Pharmacotherapy targeting the EGFR oncogene in NSCLC

Introduction: The EGFR plays a central role in regulating cancer cell growth and survival, representing an attractive therapeutic target in NSCLC.

Areas covered: For the purpose of this review article, data from Phase II and III trials with anti-EGFR agents, including EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and mAbs, were collected and analysed.

Expert opinion: Eight large Phase III trials demonstrated that EGFR-TKIs are the best option we can offer today as front-line therapy exclusively in EGFR mutant NSCLC. In patients with EGFR wild type or unknown lung cancer, platinum-based chemotherapy remains the standard of care, with no consistent benefit produced by the addition of an anti-EGFR treatment. In pretreated NSCLC, EGFR-TKIs are considered more effective than standard monotherapy with cytotoxics in presence of classical EGFR mutations, whereas in the EGFR wild-type population, a similar efficacy with docetaxel or pemetrexed in terms of survival has been demonstrated. New agents targeting EGFR are under investigation, particularly in individuals with squamous cell histology and those with acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs.     

吉非替尼联合化疗与吉非替尼单药治疗EGFR突变晚期非小细胞肺癌的对照研究

目的:探究EGFR突变晚期非小细胞肺癌应用吉非替尼联合化疗与吉非替尼单药治疗的临床疗效。方法:研究对象全部选自某院2019年3月~2020年2月收治的48例EGFR突变晚期非小细胞肺癌患者,由不同的治疗方案进行分组,其中24例进行吉非替尼联合化疗为实验组,另外24例进行吉非替尼单药治疗为对照组,分析比较以上不同治疗方式对患者产生的影响。结果:实验组在胸腔积液、呼吸困难、胸痛咳嗽改善用时上,明显优于对照组(P<0.05);两组治疗后的CA199、CYFRA21-1、NSE对比差异明显(P<0.05)。结论:EGFR突变晚期非小细胞肺癌应用吉非替尼联合化疗的效果较好,可明显改善患者多种临床症状。     

吉非替尼治疗非小细胞肺癌的疗效与EGFR基因突变的关系

目的探讨吉非替尼治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)的疗效与表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)基因突变的关系。方法选择36例Ⅲb期或Ⅳ期经铂类治疗方案无效的NSCLC患者,根据有无EGFR基因突变分为有EGFR基因突变组(A组,11例)与无EGFR基因突变组(B组,25例),均予以吉非替尼治疗,分析其疗效与EGFR基因突变的关系。结果 A组吉非替尼治疗有效率优于B组(81.8%vs.16.0%)(P<0.05)。结论 EGFR基因突变的检测可作为吉非替尼治疗NSCLC疗效的一个预测指标。     

EGFR-TKIs治疗非小细胞肺癌进展

目前,肺癌依然是导致人类恶性肿瘤死亡的首位疾病。在过去10年中,EGFR-TKI药物的出现,显著改善了患者的生存,从而改变了肺癌的标准治疗模式。作为一线、二线或其他治疗,EGFR-TKI药物,包括吉非替尼和厄洛替尼,在特定人群中(腺癌、女性、非吸烟、亚裔患者)疗效显著。除上述两种药物,由浙江贝达药业有限公司研发的EGFR-TKIs埃克替尼也已经完成了其III期临床试验(ICOGEN),并取得可喜的结果。本文将对以上3种EGFR-TKI药物治疗非小细胞肺癌进展进行综述。     

Gefitinib: current status in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

Gefitinib (Iressa) is a novel drug approved in 28 countries (as of June 2004), including Japan, the US, Canada and Australia as second- and third-line monotherapy for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer refractory to prior chemotherapy. Gefitinib is an orally active, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase (EGFR-TK) reversible inhibitor which blocks EGFR phosphorylation and subsequent signal transduction pathways involved in proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis and apoptosis inhibition. Recently, mutations in the TK domain of the EGFR have been identified in those patients with refractory non-small cell lung cancer who achieved dramatic tumor responses to gefitinib. Although the role of EGFR-TK mutation status in predicting other clinical benefits with gefitinib, i.e. disease stabilization and symptom improvement, is unclear, these findings, along with increasing knowledge of other potential biomarkers of response, are significant developments towards further optimizing the use of gefitinib. Gefitinib has favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and low toxicity. No dosage adjustment is required for patient age, body weight, gender, ethnicity or moderate to severe hepatic impairment due to liver metastases. Several clinical studies on gefitinib as monotherapy have demonstrated clinically significant symptom relief, tumor response and good tolerability after failure of chemotherapy-based treatment in non-small cell lung cancer. These studies led to gefitinib approval in many countries as a new therapeutic option for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer that failed prior chemotherapy. In contrast to the clinical benefit imparted by gefitinib as monotherapy in patients previously treated with chemotherapy, gefitinib in combination with standard platinum-based chemotherapy in chemonaive patients did not improve either survival or other clinical endpoints in non-small cell lung cancer. This review provides currently available data from clinical studies on gefitinib as monotherapy or in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy.     

Recent understanding of the molecular mechanisms for the efficacy and resistance of EGF receptor-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its family members are involved in many aspects of tumor biological processes. Aberrant activation of the EGFR tyrosine kinase by mutations or protein overexpression is observed in various types of human cancer, including lung cancer. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), such as gefitinib and erlotinib, are highly effective in lung cancer patients who harbor active mutations in the EGFR gene. However, patients who are initially sensitive to EGFR-TKIs eventually relapse within few years. AREAS COVERED: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and is associated with a high frequency of EGFR mutations. This review describes the EGFR mutations that determine the sensitivity to EGFR-TKIs and the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC. Furthermore, the authors describe recent strategies developed to overcome acquired resistance using second-generation EGFR-TKIs and combination therapies with several molecular-targeting drugs. EXPERT OPINION: Although recent findings have contributed to our understanding of the mechanism of acquired resistance and helped the development of novel strategies to overcome such resistance, the underlying mechanisms are complex and additional research is necessary to develop effective therapeutic strategies for individual patients with lung cancer.     

奥希替尼一线治疗EGFR突变局部晚期或转移性非小细胞肺癌的成本效果分析

目的 对比奥希替尼与标准表皮生长因子受体-酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(EGFR-TKIs,吉非替尼或厄洛替尼)一线治疗EGFR突变的局部晚期或转移性非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)的成本效果.方法 运用Markov模型,评价两种治疗策略下的总成本与总健康产出,总成本以元表示,总产出以质量调整生命年(QALYs)表示.根据FLAURA试...     

晚期非小细胞肺癌EGFR-TKIs获得性耐药后治疗策略研究进展

肺癌是癌症相关死亡的首要原因。非小细胞肺癌（NSCLC）约占肺癌的85%,且患者在诊断时大多为晚期。随着表皮生长因子受体（EGFR）在肺癌中被发现,针对特定基因突变的靶向治疗成为晚期NSCLC的重要治疗方式,并显著延长了患者生存期。尽管第一、二、三代EGFR-酪氨酸激酶抑制剂（TKI）蓬勃发展,但随着治疗时间的推移,患者都可能面临耐药和进展。为克服这一难题,基于耐药机制的相关治疗策略正在研究中。本文旨在对近年来EGFR-TKIs,特别是在疗效及安全性上作为指南更优推荐的第三代EGFR-TKIs的耐药机制和治疗策略的研究进展进行综述。     

Molecularly-targeted therapies for non-small cell lung cancer

Targeting cell-signalling pathways that confer survival advantage to cancer cells has become a major focus of investigation for the treatment of various malignancies. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a disease with wide molecular heterogeneity, has become a main testing ground for the evaluation of various targeted agents. Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor pathway with erlotinib results in improved survival and symptom control for patients with advanced NSCLC who progressed following one or two prior chemotherapy regimens. Gefitinib, the first epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor to be approved by the FDA, failed to demonstrate survival advantage over placebo in a large Phase III trial for patients with advanced NSCLC. The results of this study have raised several important clinical and biological issues that may be relevant for the development of other targeted agents. Recent identification of mutations in the ATP-binding pocket of the EGFR is the first step towards proper patient selection for therapy with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In addition, predictive potential has also been seen with EGFR gene amplification. It is unclear whether monoclonal antibodies against the EGFR may be active independent of the EGFR mutation, as the site of action is different from tyrosine kinase inhibitors. A recent randomised clinical trial that combined the antiangiogenic agent bevacizumab with chemotherapy has demonstrated survival advantage over chemotherapy alone for certain subsets of patients with advanced NSCLC. The exciting results of this study represent an important advance in the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC.     

Molecularly-targeted therapies for non-small cell lung cancer

Targeting cell-signalling pathways that confer survival advantage to cancer cells has become a major focus of investigation for the treatment of various malignancies. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a disease with wide molecular heterogeneity, has become a main testing ground for the evaluation of various targeted agents. Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor pathway with erlotinib results in improved survival and symptom control for patients with advanced NSCLC who progressed following one or two prior chemotherapy regimens. Gefitinib, the first epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor to be approved by the FDA, failed to demonstrate survival advantage over placebo in a large Phase III trial for patients with advanced NSCLC. The results of this study have raised several important clinical and biological issues that may be relevant for the development of other targeted agents. Recent identification of mutations in the ATP-binding pocket of the EGFR is the first step towards proper patient selection for therapy with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In addition, predictive potential has also been seen with EGFR gene amplification. It is unclear whether monoclonal antibodies against the EGFR may be active independent of the EGFR mutation, as the site of action is different from tyrosine kinase inhibitors. A recent randomised clinical trial that combined the antiangiogenic agent bevacizumab with chemotherapy has demonstrated survival advantage over chemotherapy alone for certain subsets of patients with advanced NSCLC. The exciting results of this study represent an important advance in the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC.     

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in previously treated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with wild-type EGFR

Introduction: While epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) – tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) lead to longer progression-free survival (PFS) when compared with conventional chemotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring activating EGFR mutations, the role of EGFR-TKI remains unclear in EGFR-wild-type (WT) NSCLC.

Areas covered: This article reviews selected data from randomized trials regarding the use of TKIs in EGFR-WT NSCLC. Nine randomized phase III trials have compared EGFR-TKI with chemotherapy in NSCLC patients in a second or later line setting. Two of these trials, TAILOR and DELTA, which were designed to investigate treatment benefits according to EGFR genotype, demonstrated that docetaxel chemotherapy displayed significantly better in progression-free survival (PFS) when compared with the EGFR-TKI erlotinib. Biomarkers to predict clinical benefits of the drug against EGFR WT tumor, and the efficacy of combination regimens using erlotinib or single-use afatinib against tumors are also covered in this article.

Expert opinion: Considering the modest benefits of erlotinib for EGFR-WT tumors, future studies are warranted, including the exploration of useful biomarkers and new treatment strategies for EGFT-TKI use, as well as the development of more sensitive EGFR mutation tests.     

Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women. Despite the introduction of the newer cytotoxic agents in NSCLC treatment during the last decade the survival rates of patients have reached a plateau. New strategies are clearly needed to improve treatment outcomes. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has a key role in cancer development and progression and has been recognised as a target of increasing importance in NSCLC. Gefitinib, erlotinib and cetuximab are EGFR-targeting agents that are being extensively evaluated in NSCLC. EGFR inhibitors demonstrate significant clinical activity in ~ 10 – 20% of pretreated NSCLC patients. Somatic mutations in the kinase domain of the receptor have been shown to be associated with enhanced sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors. However, four large Phase III randomised, placebo-controlled trials of gefitinib and erlotinib in combination with standard platinum-based first-line chemotherapy failed to show any survival benefit in patients receiving the study drugs. Possible reasons include patient selection, drug scheduling, trial design or other factors. Active research is ongoing to improve the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors as monotherapy or in combination with other treatment modalities.     

Vandetanib for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION: The use of targeted therapies in the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is increasing, especially as conventional chemotherapy affords relatively small benefits at a cost of increased toxicity. Two of the more established therapeutic targets in NSCLC are the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Vandetanib is an orally available inhibitor of VEGFR and EGFR signalling and is an attractive therapeutic agent owing to the simultaneous inhibition of both pathways. AREAS COVERED: This review encompasses the clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of vandetanib in advanced NSCLC. Of particular interest are the randomized Phase III clinical trials, which did not show clinically significant overall survival benefit for vandetanib monotherapy or in combination with standard chemotherapy regimens. EXPERT OPINION: Vandetanib has anti-tumour activity in NSCLC, with improved objective responses and disease control. However, significant survival benefits were not demonstrated in Phase III clinical trials and at present vandetanib is not in further development for use in NSCLC.