ERLOTINIB IN NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER: EXPERIENCE OF CLINICAL HOSPITAL FOR LUNG DISEASES »JORDANOVAC«

Abstract

Summary. Treatment with erlotinib, an inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptors, has significantly improved the overall survival rate and quality of life in patients with non-small cell lung cancer who had failed the standard first- or second-line chemotherapy. In Clinical hospital for lung diseases »Jordanovac« a total of 36 patients were treated with erlotinib. The response rate was as follows: in four patients (11%) complete response was achieved, in five (4%) partial response, while fourteen patients (39%) had stable disease. Hence, the evident clinical benefit of treatment with erlotinib was registered in 23 patients (64%) altogether. The treatment was well tolerated and it was not associated with significant toxicity. Our results confirm the antitumour efficacy of erlotinib and show a clear treatment benefit for patients with non-small cell lung cancer in our country.