title: Gefitinib in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gefitinib is an oral, selective epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor that has activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the tolerability, safety-profile and response of single agent gefitinib in patients with advanced stage NSCLC.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-seven patients of good performance status with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC were entered on the study at the Sydney Cancer Centre. Gefitinib was prescribed at an oral dose of 250 mg daily, as a continuous dose. Radiological evaluation of indicator lesions occurred at baseline and were repeated every 2-3 months until disease progression. Toxicity was graded using standard measures at baseline and at every month.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 17% in the patients eligible for evaluation. Symptom improvement was observed in 75% of patients. No patients withdrew because of adverse events. Toxicity was observed in 15 patients and consisted mainly of rash (59%), which was usually mild in severity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gefitinib is active in NSCLC. It is well tolerated with minimal side-effects. Symptomatic improvement was found in the majority of patients treated with gefitinib. There may be a role for gefitinib in the palliation of symptoms in patients with advanced NSCLC.
authors.affiliation: Sydney Cancer Centre, Australia.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boyer
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Millward
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D005260:Female; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011799:Quinazolines; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000077156:Gefitinib