Abstract 3483: Combining the multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, vandetanib, with fulvestrant results in enhanced anti-tumorigenic effects for lung cancer

Current average survival after a lung cancer diagnosis is only 8-12 months, with a 5-year survival rate of 15% with best available first-line chemotherapy regimens. Thus, innovative approaches to treat lung cancer utilizing molecular targets are necessary. We have previously shown that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and estrogen receptor β (ERβ) are present in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and show a functional interaction. This interaction provided the foundation for combinatorial targeting strategies incorporating anti-estrogens into NSCLC treatment in combination with growth factor signaling pathway inhibitors. Vandetanib is a multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that potently inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and shows additional inhibitory activity against Flt-4 (VEGFR-3) and EGFR tyrosine kinases. This inhibitor may be beneficial in tumors that are dependent upon VEGF-mediated angiogenesis or EGF mediated tumor growth and has shown promising anti-tumor activity in NSCLC in clinical trials. We demonstrated that NSCLC cells significantly secrete VEGF protein over time in culture (p Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3483.