Small-molecule EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of cancer

Introduction: EGFR has been implicated in various malignancies such as NSCLC, breast, head and neck, and pancreatic cancer. Numerous drugs have been developed in order to target the tyrosine domain of EGFR as an approach in cancer treatment.Areas covered: This article focuses on the different generations of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This spans from the emergence of the first-generation EGFR-TKIs to overcoming drug resistance using second-generation EGFR-TKIs and to reducing adverse effect (AE) using mutant-selective third-generation EGFR-TKIs.Expert opinion: Current TKI treatment is frequently accompanied by drug resistance and/or serious AEs. There has been the promise of advancements in second-generation EGFR-TKIs that could overcome drug resistance, acting as second- or third-line salvage treatment, but this promise has yet to be met. That being said, both issues are currently being addressed with mutant-selective EGFR-TKIs with the expectation of bringing more EGFR-targeted therapy into the next phase of cancer therapy in the future.