Disease control with a second epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) after failure of a first TKI in Asian patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Abstract

18104 Background: Asian NSCLC patients are known to have higher response rates to the EGFR TKI gefitinib (G) and erlotinib (E). Anecdotal reports suggest some activity for a second EGFR TKI after failure of the first. Methods: A retrospective review of the electronic pharmacy records, clinical and radiographic records of patients with advanced NSCLC at the National University Hospital who received both G and E in the previous 2 years was conducted. Objectives were to assess the disease control (response/stable disease) of the second TKI after failure of the first and characterize the clinical, pathological and molecular features of patients benefiting from a 2nd TKI. Results: 14 patients with advanced NSCLC who received a 2nd EGFR TKI after progression on the 1st TKI were identified. Patient characteristics: Chinese 12, female 10, and non-smokers 13. Histologic subtype: adenocarcinoma 7, bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) 3, squamous-cell carcinoma 1, NSCLC unspecified 3. 12 patients received cytotoxic chemotherapy with a median of 2 lines, (range 1–5). G and E was used as 1st/2nd/3rd/=4th line treatment in 8/2/2/2 and 0/4/2/8 patients respectively. G was used before E in 13 cases and disease control was seen in 8/14 (57%) patients. With a 2nd TKI after disease progression, disease control was seen 4/14 (28%) patients. Patient characteristics were: adenocarcinoma 3, BAC 1, all were never smokers and all received and responded to prior G. Median duration of control in these 4 patients for G was 8 (range 7–12) months, and subsequently to E was 2.5 (range 2–8) months. Disease control was associated with symptomatic improvement. Conclusion: This study documents disease control in 28% of Asian NSCLC patients treated with a second EGFR TKI after failure of a first. The molecular basis for these observations is currently being investigated. No significant financial relationships to disclose.