Transition Rate from EGFR-TKI to Cytotoxic Chemotherapy Patients with EGFR Mutation-positive Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Abstract

The transition rate from first-line epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) to cytotoxic chemotherapy (Ct) is poor. The prognosis according to treatment sequence and the reasons patients could not shift from first-line EGFR-TKIs to Ct were herein analyzed. Overall, 159 epidermal growth factor receptor mutation-positive adenocarcinoma patients were enrolled in this study. The median survival times of EGFR-TKIs combined with Ct and EGFR-TKIs were 59.8 months and 22.5 months, respectively (p<0.001) and of patients who received EGFR-TKIs first and Ct first were 38.8 months and 66.4 months, respectively (p=0.016). The main reasons patients could not make the transition to Ct was worsening of performance status and patient's preference. EGFR-TKIs and Ct lead to a good prognosis in EGFR mutation-positive adenocarcinoma patients. It is necessary to consider the timing when changing the treatment strategy before treatment options are limited.