Method for treating gefitinib resistant cancer

Abstract

The present invention is directed to methods for the treatment of gefitinib and/or erlotinib resistant cancer. An individual with cancer is monitored for cancer progression following treatment with gefitinib and/or erlotinib. Progression of the cancer is indicative that the cancer is resistant to gefitinib and/ or erlotinib. Once progression of cancer is noted, the subject is administered a pharmaceutical composition comprising an irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor. In preferred embodiments, the irreversible EGFR inhibitor is EKB-569, HKI-272 and HKI-357.

1 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A method for treating gefitinib and/or erlotinib resistant non-small cell lung cancer in a patient having gefitinib and/or erlotinib resistant non-small cell lung cancer, comprising administering daily to said patient 2-500 mg of an irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, wherein the irreversible EGFR inhibitor is an anilino compound comprising a 2-enamide Michael acceptor that covalently binds to cysteine 773 residue in the ligand-binding pocket of EGFR. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28  wherein the irreversible EGFR inhibitor is administered orally. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the irreversible EGFR inhibitor does not possess a chloride at position 3 of the anilino group. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the irreversible EGFR inhibitor is an ether substituted anilino compound. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the irreversible EGFR inhibitor further comprises a dimethylamino group. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the irreversible EGFR inhibitor is a pyrrolopyrimidine. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the irreversible EGFR inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of EKB-569 and HKI-357. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the method further comprises administering at least one other tyrosine kinase inhibitor.