LUX-Lung 6: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from a randomized open-label, phase III study in first-line advanced NSCLC patients (pts) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations.

Abstract

8061 Background: Afatinib (A) is an oral, irreversible, ErbB Family Blocker, blocking signaling from EGFR (ErbB1), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2; ErbB2) and ErbB4. In LUX-Lung 6, A was significantly better than gemcitabine/cisplatin (GC) in terms of progression free survival (PFS) and tumor response, with a more favorable safety profile. Here, we report the PRO results. Methods: 364 pts were randomized (2:1) to receive A or GC. PROs were measured using EORTC questionnaires QLQ-C30/LC13 at baseline and q3w until progression. Changes of ≥10 points (scale 0–100) were considered clinically significant. Analyses of cough, dyspnea and pain were prespecified. Time to deterioration (1st 10-point worsening from baseline) was analyzed using a stratified log-rank test. Percentage improved/worsened by ≥10 points or stable was determined. Mean scores over time were estimated using longitudinal (mixed-effects growth curve) models. Results: Compliance on treatment with questionnaires was >90%. Baseline symptom burden was low (cough: 35; dyspnea: 25; pain: 24). Compared with GC, therapy with A significantly delayed time to deterioration for cough (HR=0.45; p=0.0001), dyspnea (HR=0.54; p<0.0001) and pain (HR=0.70; p=0.03). A higher proportion of A-treated pts had ≥10-point improvements in cough (76% vs 55%; p=0.0003), dyspnea (71% vs 48%; p<0.0001) and pain (64% vs 47%; p=0.003) compared with GC, particularly among pts with baseline symptoms. Mean scores over time for cough, dyspnea and pain also significantly favored A. Consistent with their safety profiles, a significantly higher proportion of A-treated pts had worsening of diarrhea, sore mouth and dysphagia, while fatigue, nausea, and vomiting were significantly worse with GC. Overall, therapy with A significantly improved global health-related quality of life (HRQoL; p<0.0001), physical (p<0.0001), role (p=0.01) and social (p<0.001) functioning compared with GC. Conclusions: In LUX-Lung 6, prolongation of PFS with A was associated with significantly better HRQoL and significantly longer control of lung cancer-related symptoms compared with GC. Clinical trial information: NCT01121393.