Combined treatment with an EGFR kinase inhibitor and an agent that sensitizes tumor cells to the effects of EGFR kinase inhibitors

摘要

The present invention provides a method for treating tumors or tumor metastases in a patient, comprising administering to the patient simultaneously or sequentially a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of an EGFR kinase inhibitor and an agent that sensitizes tumor cells to the effects of EGFR kinase inhibitors, wherein the agent is an PDK1 inhibitor, with or without additional agents or treatments, such as other anti-cancer drugs or radiation therapy. A preferred example of an EGFR kinase inhibitor that can be used in practicing this invention is the compound erlotinib HCl (also known as TARCEVA(R)).