Erlotnib in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer failed to previous chemotherapy / 中华肿瘤杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the efficacy and side effect of erlotnib for refractory patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) failed to previous chemotherapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twelve patients with chemo-refractory NSCLC were enrolled into this study. Erlotnib was administered at a dose of 150 mg orally once a day for a month. The assessment was carried out every month by intensive clinical observation and monthly CT scan until disease progression or intolerable toxicity occurred.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the 12 patients were evaluable. The response rate including complete and partial responses (CR and PR) was 25.0% (3/12). The disease control rate including complete, partial response and stable disease (CR, PR and NC) was 58.3% (7/12). The clinical benefit rate was 41.7% (5/12). The main side effects included skin rash and diarrhea. No patient was withdrawn from the treatment due to intolerable toxicities.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Erlotnib is effective and tolerable in the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC failed to previous chemotherapy.</p>