Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
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The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase of the ErbB receptor family that is abnormally activated in many epithelial tumors. The aberrant activation of the EGFR leads to enhanced proliferation and other tumor-promoting activities, which provide a strong rationale to target this receptor family. There are two classes of anti-EGFR agents: monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed at the extracellular domain of the receptor and small molecule, adenosine triphosphate-competitive inhibitors of the receptor's tyrosine kinase. ⋯ In addition to specific anti-EGFR TKIs, there are broader acting inhibitors such as dual EGFR HER-2 inhibitors and combined anti-pan-ErbB and antivascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors. Current research efforts are directed at selecting the optimal dose and schedule and identifying predictive factors of response and resistance beyond EGFR gene mutations and/or amplifications. Finally, there is a need for improved strategies to integrate anti-EGFR agents with conventional therapies and to explore combinations with other molecular targeted approaches including other antireceptor therapies, receptor-downstream signaling transduction inhibitors, and targeted approaches interfering with other essential drivers of cancer, such as angiogenesis.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Randomized trial of amifostine in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and hyperfractionated radiation: radiation therapy oncology group trial 98-01.
To test the ability of the cytoprotectant, amifostine, to reduce chemoradiotherapy-induced esophagitis and evaluate its influence on quality of life (QOL) and swallowing symptoms. ⋯ AM did not significantly reduce esophagitis >/= grade 3 in patients receiving hyperfractionated radiation and chemotherapy. However, patient self-assessments suggested a possible advantage to AM that is being explored with modified dosing route strategies.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Phase II study of efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of trastuzumab monotherapy administered on a 3-weekly schedule.
This phase II study investigated the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of trastuzumab monotherapy given as first-line treatment once every 3 weeks (3-weekly) in women with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) -positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC). ⋯ Administering higher doses on a 3-weekly schedule did not compromise the efficacy and safety of trastuzumab in women with HER2-positive MBC, and average exposure was similar to that observed with weekly therapy. Three-weekly trastuzumab may represent a convenient alternative to weekly administration.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Postoperative adjuvant therapy with tamoxifen, tegafur plus uracil, or both in women with node-negative breast cancer: a pooled analysis of six randomized controlled trials.
This article reports the results of a pooled analysis of six randomized trials conducted to study the efficacy of uracil and tegafur (UFT) in the adjuvant treatment of node-negative breast cancer patients. ⋯ Adjuvant UFT improves the overall survival of node-negative breast cancer patients. Given that UFT has milder adverse effects, it is suggested that UFT can be a useful alternative to doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, or cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil in the adjuvant treatment for node-negative breast cancer.