Mechanisms of resistance to EGFR TKIs and therapeutic perspectives in non-small cell lung cancer[J]. China Oncology, 2013, 23(4): 308-314. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1007-3969.2013.04.012.
which are epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)
are widely used as molecularly targeted drugs for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However
many patients ultimately develop resistance to these drugs. Mechanisms of acquired and primary resistance have been reported in the past few years
such as secondary mutation of the EGFR gene
amplification of the MET gene and mutations of the K-ras gene. Novel pharmaceutical agents are currently being developed to overcome resistance. This review focuses on these mechanisms of resistance to EGFR-TKIs and discusses how can be overcome.