Therapeutic effect of gefitinib in advanced non-small cell lung cancer and its effect on the EGFR level in peripheral blood.

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effect of gefitinib in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its effect on the level of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in peripheral blood. Methods: A total of 58 patients with NSCLC were treated with gefinitib (iressa) (250 mg per day). EGFR levels in the peripheral blood were measured with ELISA assay before and after treatment. Statistical analyses of patient quality of life, survival and other clinical data were conducted including logistic regression analysis, x(2) test and t-test. Quality of life assessment was quantified based on the Chinese version of the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13 questionnaires of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Results: The overall response rate to iressa was 38% (22 patients), and the disease control rate (response+stable) was 74% (43 patients). The mean scores of assessment of physiological functions and comprehensive quality of life in QLQ-C30 questionnaire were significantly increased with an improvement rate of 91-100%. Similarly, the mean scores of assessment of disease symptoms in QLQ-LC12 questionnaire were significantly reduced with an overall improvement rate of 73-100%. Adverse drug effects were mainly grade I and II skin rashes and diarrhea. The EGFR levels in peripheral blood were significantly decreased after treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on our results, gefitinib showed meaningful effects in treating advanced NSCLC, significantly improving clinical symptoms and ameliorating the patient quality of life.