The epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor ZD1839 selectively potentiates radiation response of human tumors in nude mice, with a marked improvement in therapeutic index.

Abstract

ZD1839 significantly enhanced the antitumor action of RT against the test tumors without significant adverse effects, increasing the therapeutic selectively of ionizing radiation in these model systems. These results predict substantial benefits for this multimodality regimen of therapy in patients.