[Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with gefitinib].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the antitumor effects and toxicity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib (Iressa) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).


METHODS
The clinical data and quality of life of 66 patients with NSCLC treated with Iressa orally at the dose of 250 mg/d were reviewed, and the data were analyzed by using logistic analysis, chi(2) test and t test. The impact of treatment on disease-related symptoms and quality of life was evaluated with Chinese version of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and QLQ-LC13.


RESULTS
Tumor response rate was 33%. Disease control rate, which included both tumor responses and stable disease, was 70%. The mean scores of each functioning scales and global quality of life in QLQ-C30 increased significantly. Response rates were 91% - 100%. Mean scores of disease-related symptoms decreased significantly. Response rates were 73% - 100%. Quality of life and symptom response were correlated with objective tumour response. The 250 mg/day dose of Iressa was well tolerated by patients. The majority of adverse events were grade I or grade II skin rash and diarrhea, which were manageable and reversible.


CONCLUSIONS
Iressa offers a new treatment option providing meaningful tumor control and symptom relief for many patients with advanced NSCLC.
Zhang
Xiao-tong
XT
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
Li
Long-yun
LY
Wang
Shu-lan
SL
Mu
Xin-lin
XL
Wang
Meng-zhao
MZ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D005076:Exanthema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011799:Quinazolines; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000077156:Gefitinib