Effect of ZD 1839 on Brain Metastases in Lung Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Cappuzzo F, Calandri C, Bartolini S, Crinò L
Primary Institution: Division of Medical Oncology, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
Hypothesis
Can ZD 1839 be effective in treating brain metastases from non-small-cell lung cancer?
Conclusion
ZD 1839 shows effectiveness in NSCLC patients with brain metastases, suggesting it should not be an exclusion criterion in future studies.
Supporting Evidence
- All four patients had a partial response in both brain and extracranial sites after 3 months of therapy.
- Patients experienced symptomatic improvement while on treatment.
- ZD 1839 therapy was generally well tolerated with some skin toxicity.
Takeaway
This study looked at four lung cancer patients with brain tumors who took a medicine called ZD 1839, and they got better after treatment.
Methodology
Patients received ZD 1839 at a daily dose of 250 mg and were monitored for response after 3 months.
Limitations
The study is based on a small sample size of only four patients.
Participant Demographics
Two male and two female patients aged 53 to 65, with various types of lung cancer.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website