Treating non-small-cell lung cancer first line with erlotinib monotherapy in elderly patients: discussion of a case series.
BACKGROUND
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) predominantly occurs in the elderly, a group that has been historically undertreated for various reasons such as perceived frailty and comorbidity.


METHODS
A series of 5 cases is presented, illustrating the value of erlotinib as a first-line therapy option in elderly patients with adenocarcinoma, who might otherwise have been unsuitable for treatment. A summary of each case is given, along with a discussion of some interesting factors and their clinical relevance to NSCLC therapy. Dose adjustment to manage adverse events is also addressed.


CONCLUSIONS
Erlotinib is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for NSCLC and could offer an alternative for patients unsuitable for or not wishing to receive chemotherapy.
Reck
Martin
M
Department of Thoracic Oncology, Hospital Grosshansdorf, Germany. dr.martin.reck@web.de
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011799:Quinazolines; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; C512478:EGFR protein, human; D066246:ErbB Receptors