Gefitinib + Interleukin-2

The combination of gefitinib and interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a therapeutic approach for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that combines targeted therapy with immunotherapy. Gefitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is often overexpressed in certain human carcinomas. It works by inhibiting EGFR tyrosine kinase, thereby blocking downstream signaling cascades that promote cancer cell proliferation. Interleukin-2 is a cytokine with pleiotropic effects on the immune system. In the context of NSCLC, IL-2 may help restore immunocompetence of lymphocytes against lung cancer. This combination aims to leverage dual mechanisms: gefitinib's direct inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and IL-2's immune system activation against cancer.

Brand names

Iressa (for Gefitinib)