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Gefitinib and Pemetrexed/platinum

Sun Yat-sen University · Phase 3 active Small molecule

This combination uses gefitinib to inhibit EGFR signaling in lung cancer cells while pemetrexed/platinum chemotherapy provides additional cytotoxic activity through multiple mechanisms.

This combination uses gefitinib to inhibit EGFR signaling in lung cancer cells while pemetrexed/platinum chemotherapy provides additional cytotoxic activity through multiple mechanisms. Used for Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations.

At a glance

Generic nameGefitinib and Pemetrexed/platinum
SponsorSun Yat-sen University
Drug classEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor combined with antifolate and platinum-based chemotherapy
TargetEGFR (gefitinib); thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase (pemetrexed); DNA (platinum agents)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Gefitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, particularly effective in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancers. Pemetrexed is an antifolate that inhibits multiple enzymes in nucleotide synthesis, and platinum agents (cisplatin or carboplatin) cause DNA crosslinking and damage. The combination leverages targeted therapy with conventional chemotherapy for enhanced anti-tumor effect.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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