Chemotherapy and intercalated gefitinib or erlotinib in the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Preclinical data showed that intercalated administration of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) and chemotherapy might be effective in the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This review will summarize and discuss the clinical results available to date from prospective studies investigating this approach. Areas covered: A structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed literature and of main International meetings was undertaken, for trials testing the intercalated addition of EGFR-TKIs to chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC. Expert commentary: The results of intercalated schedules of EGFR-TKI and chemotherapy are interesting but somewhat contrasting. This approach could represent a potential treatment option in patients with advanced NSCLC, that deserves to be further investigated within well-designed randomized trials.