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Published on: April 6, 2016
Basic clinical parameters predict gefitinib efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer
Andreas Pircher1, Ernst Ulsperger, Rene Hack
1Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Internal Medicine V/ Haematology and Oncology, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria. andreas.pircher@i-med.ac.at
Background:
In epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the tyrosine-kinase inhibitor gefitinib is in broad use. We retrospectively analysed data for 82 patients with advanced NSCLC treated with gefitinib and correlated benefits with clinical baseline and therapy-related parameters.
Patients:
Of all patients 48/82 were male; the median age at start of gefitinib was 67.2 years; 14/58 informative patients were never-smokers; 57/82 patients suffered from adenocarcinoma, including 7 with bronchoalveolar-carcinomas.
Results:
As to be expected, partial remission was observed in 10% of patients, stable disease in 29%, progression-free survival was 3.1 months and overall survival 9.2 months. Gefitinib was more efficacious in women, never-smokers and patients with bronchoalveolar-carcinoma. Furthermore, anemia and elevated C-reactive protein levels were unfavourable for therapeutic efficacy. Patients developing skin reactions under gefitinib achieved response far more frequently, with longer progression-free survival and overall survival.
Conclusion:
Basic clinical parameters are good predictors for response to EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitor therapy, which may be of value if EGFR mutation status is not available.
Insights
Gefitinib is effective for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Clinical factors like gender, smoking history, and skin reactions predict treatment response, offering value when EGFR mutation status is unknown.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is treated with gefitinib.
- Retrospective analysis of 82 advanced NSCLC patients treated with gefitinib.
Purpose of the Study:
- Correlate gefitinib benefits with clinical baseline and therapy-related parameters.
- Identify predictors of treatment response in NSCLC patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 82 advanced NSCLC patients.
- Data collected on patient demographics, smoking history, cancer histology, and treatment outcomes.
- Correlation of clinical parameters with gefitinib efficacy.
Main Results:
- Partial remission in 10%, stable disease in 29%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) 3.1 months, overall survival (OS) 9.2 months.
- Gefitinib more efficacious in women, never-smokers, and bronchoalveolar carcinoma patients.
- Anemia and elevated C-reactive protein were unfavorable. Skin reactions correlated with better response and survival.
Conclusions:
- Basic clinical parameters predict response to EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitor therapy.
- These predictors are valuable when EGFR mutation status is unavailable.
