Gefitinib for Advanced Lung Cancer with EGFR Mutations
Author Information
Author(s): Tamura K, Okamoto I, Kashii T, Negoro S, Hirashima T, Kudoh S, Ichinose Y, Ebi N, Shibata K, Nishimura T, Katakami N, Sawa T, Shimizu E, Fukuoka J, Satoh T, Fukuoka M
Primary Institution: National Cancer Center Hospital
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of gefitinib and the feasibility of screening for EGFR mutations in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Conclusion
Gefitinib chemotherapy was highly effective in patients with advanced NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations, with a 75% overall response rate.
Supporting Evidence
- The overall response rate was 75%, and the disease control rate was 96%.
- The median progression-free survival was 11.5 months.
- EGFR mutations were detected in 32 out of 117 patients screened.
Takeaway
This study shows that a medicine called gefitinib can help people with a specific type of lung cancer that has a certain gene change, making them feel better.
Methodology
Patients were screened for EGFR mutations and those with mutations received gefitinib; response rates and survival were evaluated.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to the eligibility criteria and the specific patient population studied.
Limitations
The study had a relatively short observation period and was conducted at multiple institutions in a specific region, which may not represent broader clinical practice.
Participant Demographics
The median age of participants was 68 years, with 64% female, 96% having adenocarcinoma, and 68% being never smokers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 57.6–91.0%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website