Clinical study of gefitinib combined with selected radiotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Objective To study the effect and toxicity ofgefitinib combined with selected radiotherapy in the treatment of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods From March 2006 to February 2009,10 of 13 advanced NSCLC patients who got benefit from gefitinib were enrolled to treatment group (gefitinib concurrent selected radiotherapy) and control group (gefitinib only), with 5 cases in each group. The response was evaluated as progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).Results No patient got complete remission (CR). Ten of 13 patients got partial remission (PR) and stable disease (SD). The 1 year and 2 years survival rate was 53.8%(7/13) and 46.2%(6/13) respectively. The median PFS in treatment group and control group was 24 months and 8 months respectively(P= 0.0019). The median OS was 32 months and 10 months respectively (P= 0.0062). The main toxicities were reversible skin rash and diarrhea,and 3 patients developed asymptomatic radiation pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusions Gefitinib combining with selected radiotherapy is effective and tolerated in patients with advanced NSCLC. It may prolong PFS and OS. It may be a rational choice for the standard and individualized treatment of NSCLC. Key words: Carcinoma, non-small-cell lung;  Antineoplastic combined chemotherapy protocols; Gefitinib