Last reviewed · How we verify
Gefitinib or Docetaxel
Gefitinib or Docetaxel is a EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (Gefitinib); Taxane microtubule stabilizer (Docetaxel) Small molecule drug developed by AstraZeneca. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations (Gefitinib), Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (Docetaxel), Breast cancer (Docetaxel).
Gefitinib is an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks epidermal growth factor receptor signaling to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, while Docetaxel is a microtubule-stabilizing taxane that prevents cell division.
Gefitinib is an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks epidermal growth factor receptor signaling to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, while Docetaxel is a microtubule-stabilizing taxane that prevents cell division. Used for Non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations (Gefitinib), Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (Docetaxel), Breast cancer (Docetaxel).
At a glance
| Generic name | Gefitinib or Docetaxel |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | AstraZeneca |
| Drug class | EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (Gefitinib); Taxane microtubule stabilizer (Docetaxel) |
| Target | EGFR (Gefitinib); β-tubulin (Docetaxel) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Gefitinib selectively inhibits the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR, blocking downstream signaling pathways (MAPK and PI3K/AKT) that drive cell proliferation and survival in EGFR-mutant cancers. Docetaxel binds to and stabilizes microtubules, preventing their depolymerization and causing mitotic arrest and apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells. These are distinct mechanisms often used sequentially or in combination for non-small cell lung cancer treatment.
Approved indications
- Non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations (Gefitinib)
- Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (Docetaxel)
- Breast cancer (Docetaxel)
- Prostate cancer (Docetaxel)
Common side effects
- Diarrhea (Gefitinib)
- Rash/acneiform dermatitis (Gefitinib)
- Nausea (Gefitinib)
- Neutropenia (Docetaxel)
- Alopecia (Docetaxel)
- Peripheral neuropathy (Docetaxel)
- Fatigue (Docetaxel)
Key clinical trials
- Genomic Based Assignment of Therapy in Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma (PHASE2)
- PD-1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Immune-Related Adverse Events: a Cohort Study
- Immune-Modulated Study of Selected Small Molecules (Gefitinib, AZD9291, or Selumetinib + Docetaxel) or a 1st Immune-Mediated Therapy (IMT; Tremelimumab) With a Sequential Switch to a 2nd IMT (MEDI4736) in Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (PHASE2)
- Induction Therapy With Intercalated Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) and Chemotherapy in NSCLC With Activating Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Mutation in Stages II-IIIB (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Phase II Study of Docetaxel + ZD1839 in Elderly Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (PHASE2)
- Gefitinib, Trastuzumab, and Docetaxel in Treating Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Intercalated Combination of Chemotherapy and Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors as First-line Treatment for Patients With Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (PHASE4)
- Low-frequency Rotating Magnetic System Combined With Systemic Anti-tumor Therapy for Advanced Lung Cancer (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Gefitinib or Docetaxel CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Gefitinib or Docetaxel updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- AstraZeneca portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Gefitinib or Docetaxel
What is Gefitinib or Docetaxel?
How does Gefitinib or Docetaxel work?
What is Gefitinib or Docetaxel used for?
Who makes Gefitinib or Docetaxel?
What drug class is Gefitinib or Docetaxel in?
What development phase is Gefitinib or Docetaxel in?
What are the side effects of Gefitinib or Docetaxel?
What does Gefitinib or Docetaxel target?
Related
- Drug class: All EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (Gefitinib); Taxane microtubule stabilizer (Docetaxel) drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting EGFR (Gefitinib); β-tubulin (Docetaxel)
- Manufacturer: AstraZeneca — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Oncology
- Indication: Drugs for Non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations (Gefitinib)
- Indication: Drugs for Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (Docetaxel)
- Indication: Drugs for Breast cancer (Docetaxel)