Phase I study of icotinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor combined with IMRT in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a new target for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) therapy. This prospective phase I study sought to determine the safety and recommended phase II dose of icotinib, a novel highly selective oral EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in combination with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in patients with NPC.

Methods: Eligible patients with NPC received escalating doses of icotinib during IMRT.