gefitinib + simvastatin

Gefitinib + simvastatin is a combination therapy of two small molecule drugs, gefitinib and simvastatin. Gefitinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor primarily used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), while simvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk. The rationale for combining these agents stems from preclinical and clinical evidence suggesting that statins may enhance the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors by inhibiting alternative signaling pathways involved in tumor resistance, such as the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT cascades. Clinical studies have evaluated this combination in advanced NSCLC, particularly in patients with wild-type EGFR tumors resistant to gefitinib monotherapy, showing improved response rates and progression-free survival in certain subgroups[1][3][4]. Additionally, research has explored this combination for metastatic breast cancer using nanostructured lipid carriers to improve delivery and cytotoxicity[2].

Other names

gefitinib plus simvastatin