Practical management of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer treated with gefitinib.
OBJECTIVE
The use of gefitinib, the first drug approved to inhibit the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, is indicated in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer with tumors progressive after chemotherapy. The unique mechanism of action of this agent leads to distinctive patterns of response and toxicity in persons with lung cancer. Many of the principles of management relevant to gefitinib are distinct from those with conventional cytotoxic drugs. To meet this need, we present practical guidelines on the use of gefitinib in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.


METHODS
This article reviews gefitinib's indications, dosing, response phenomena, and patterns of relapse in individuals with radiographic response.


RESULTS
We present our recommendations for the management of rash and diarrhea caused by this agent.


CONCLUSIONS
This information can guide practitioners and help them inform their patients about what to expect when they receive gefitinib.
Shah
Neelam T
NT
Thoracic Oncology Service, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
Kris
Mark G
MG
Pao
William
W
Tyson
Leslie B
LB
Pizzo
Barbara M
BM
Heinemann
Murk-Hein
MH
Ben-Porat
Leah
L
Sachs
Dana L
DL
Heelan
Robert T
RT
Miller
Vincent A
VA
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D004347:Drug Interactions; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D005076:Exanthema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D005123:Eye / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000139:chemically induced; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D011859:Radiography
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011799:Quinazolines; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000077156:Gefitinib