The Role of Monoclonal Antibody in Combination with First-Line Chemotherapy in Asian Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Author: Byoung Chul CHO ¹ ; Joo Hang KIM ; Ross A SOO ; Chih Hsin YANG
Author Information

1. Yonsei Cancer Center, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Publication Type:Review
Keywords: Non-small cell lung cancer; chemotherapy; monoclonal antibody; bevacizumab; cetuximab
MeSH: Antibodies, Monoclonal/*therapeutic use; Antineoplastic Agents/*therapeutic use; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/*drug therapy; Humans
From:Yonsei Medical Journal 2010;51(1):1-8
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: The strategies of incorporating monoclonal antibodies (MoABs) have now proved efficacy in the first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These include targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Bevacizumab is a MoAB targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an important mediator of new blood vessel formation. Cetuximab is a MoAB directed at EGFR. Binding cetuximab to EGFR blocks signal transduction and promotes receptor internalization and degradation. In this review, we present current data of bevacizumab and cetuximab for the first line treatment of advanced NSCLC. We also refer to their potential for Asian patients with advanced NSCLC in the first-line setting.