Gefitinib confirmed as safe and effective among Caucasian patients

This study examined the safety and efficacy of gefitinib (Iressa) in EGFR-positive, non-small-cell lung cancer among Caucasian patients.

Many types of cancer, including non-small-cell lung cancer, are caused by genetic mutations. A mutation in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene leads to the increased growth, migration, and survival of cancer cells. Treatments that have been successful at blocking the effects of EGFR include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as gefitinib (Iressa). This treatment leads to longer progression free survival (time before the tumor grows or spreads) in non-small-cell lung cancer patients, and objective response rates, such as tumor shrinkage, have been observed in up to 85% of patients. Though gefitinib was approved for use in non-small-cell lung cancer in 2009, the majority of studies had examined its use in Asian patients. The current study examined the safety and effectiveness of gefitinib as a first-line treatment in Caucasian, EGFR-positive, non-small-cell lung cancer patients.

One hundred and six EGFR-positive non-small-cell lung cancer Caucasian patients were treated with 250mg of gefitinib per day. Patients were followed for an average of more than 13 months to determine response to treatment and the rate of adverse side effects.

An objective response, such as tumor shrinkage, was seen in 69.8% of patients. 38.5% of patients were progression-free at 12 months, meaning their tumors had not grown or metastasized (spread). Average overall survival was 19.2 months. 93.5% of patients experienced an adverse event during treatment, including rashes (reported in 44.9% of patients) and diarrhea (reported in 30.8% of patients). Additional side effect noted included vomiting, nausea, and dry skin. No fatal adverse effects were reported.

This study concluded that gefitinib is a safe and effective treatment for Caucasian, EGFR-positive, non-small-cell lung cancer patients.

This study was funded by Astro-Zeneca, the manufacturers of gefitinib (Iressa).