Viewpoint: Gefitinib in NSCLC
Viewpoint: Gefitinib in NSCLC
Takano T, Ohe Y, Sakamoto H, et al
J Clin Oncol. 2005;23:6829-6837
This study looked at epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and copy numbers in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to determine whether they could predict response to the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Of 66 patients with NSCLC who experienced relapse after surgery and received gefitinib, 39 had EGFR mutations. Response rate, time to progression, and overall survival were all significantly better in patients with EGFR mutation than in those with wild-type EGFR. Similarly, increased EGFR copy numbers were significantly associated with higher response rate and longer time to progression.
The observation of EGFR mutation(s) correlating with better survival following gefitinib therapy may be unique to the Japanese population, where such mutations are found more frequently compared with North Americans and Europeans. In recent studies of the latter populations, the mutation rate is decidedly low (< 10%), and, more importantly, the presence of mutations did not necessarily predict better survival following EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment.
Abstract
Takano T, Ohe Y, Sakamoto H, et al
J Clin Oncol. 2005;23:6829-6837
This study looked at epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and copy numbers in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to determine whether they could predict response to the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Of 66 patients with NSCLC who experienced relapse after surgery and received gefitinib, 39 had EGFR mutations. Response rate, time to progression, and overall survival were all significantly better in patients with EGFR mutation than in those with wild-type EGFR. Similarly, increased EGFR copy numbers were significantly associated with higher response rate and longer time to progression.
The observation of EGFR mutation(s) correlating with better survival following gefitinib therapy may be unique to the Japanese population, where such mutations are found more frequently compared with North Americans and Europeans. In recent studies of the latter populations, the mutation rate is decidedly low (< 10%), and, more importantly, the presence of mutations did not necessarily predict better survival following EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment.
Abstract