Icotinib is an anticancer agent. Icotinib acts as an inhibitor of mutated, overactive or overexpresssed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Because epidermal growth factors are responsible for controlling cell growth and proliferation, a mutated form can facilitate cancer growth and development. EGFR is overexpressed in the cells of certain types of human carcinomas. This leads to inappropriate activation of the anti-apoptotic signalling cascade, eventually leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation.
| Mechanism of Action | Icotinib is a selective inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor's tyrosine kinease domain. Icotinib inhibits EGFR tyrosine kinase by binding to the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding site of the enzyme. |
| Molecular Formula | C22H22ClN3O4 |
| References | Chen, X., Zhu, Q., Liu, Y., Liu, P., Yin, Y., Guo, R., . . . Zhu, L. (2014). Icotinib Is an Active Treatment of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Study. PLoS ONE, 9(5). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0095897 |
