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Published on: August 11, 2017
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Gefitinib.
Justyna Rawluk1, Cornelius F Waller2
1Department of Haematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
Summary
Gefitinib improves progression-free survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutations. While overall survival showed no significant difference, gefitinib is approved for first-line treatment in this specific patient group.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gefitinib is an oral selective inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment has advanced with targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of gefitinib compared to chemotherapy in NSCLC patients.
- To assess progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A large randomized phase III IPASS study compared gefitinib (250 mg daily) with carboplatin and paclitaxel.
- The study population included selected NSCLC patients, with a focus on those with EGFR mutations.
Main Results:
- Gefitinib demonstrated a beneficial effect on PFS (HR 0.74) and quality of life compared to chemotherapy.
- In patients with EGFR mutations, gefitinib significantly improved PFS (HR 0.48) with a 71.2% objective response rate versus 47.3% for chemotherapy.
- No significant difference in overall survival was observed between the treatment arms.
Conclusions:
- Gefitinib is approved for first-line treatment of NSCLC patients with sensitizing EGFR mutations (exon 19 deletion or L858R point mutation).
- The drug is metabolized in the liver, and common adverse effects like rash and diarrhea are generally mild to moderate and reversible.
