Review of Second-Line Erlotinib for Lung Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Barbara Melosky, J. Agulnik, H. Assi
Primary Institution: BC Cancer Agency
Hypothesis
What are the outcomes of using second-line erlotinib followed by third-line chemotherapy in treating recurrent metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer?
Conclusion
Second-line erlotinib treatment is effective and well-tolerated for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer after first-line chemotherapy.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean time to progression for second-line erlotinib was 9.2 months.
- 40% of patients had a partial response to second-line erlotinib.
- 18% of patients had a partial response to third-line chemotherapy.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well a medicine called erlotinib works for lung cancer patients who didn't get better with their first treatment. It found that erlotinib helps many of these patients feel better.
Methodology
A retrospective review of patient charts from three Canadian institutions was conducted to assess outcomes of second-line erlotinib followed by third-line chemotherapy.
Potential Biases
Patient selection bias may have influenced the observed high response rates.
Limitations
The small size and retrospective nature of the study may limit the findings.
Participant Demographics
The study population was evenly split between sexes, with a median age of 59 years; 66% were white and 31% were Asian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
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