How effective is Gefitinib in treating lung cancer?

Gefitinib (Gefitinib) is a targeted therapy drug used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), targeting patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations. The following will discuss in detail the effect of gefitinib in the treatment of NSCLC based on clinical experimental data.

How gefitinib works: Gefitinib blocks the EGFR pathway by inhibiting EGFRtyrosine kinase activity, thus interfering with the growth and spread of tumor cells. EGFRgene mutations are relatively common in NSCLC, especially in Asian populations, making gefitinib an important treatment option.

Clinical trials and efficacy;The efficacy of gefitinib has been verified in multiple clinical trials. Here are some important clinical trials and data:

Iressa Pan-ASia Study (IPASS): This is an important trial that demonstrates for the first time the significant efficacy of gefitinib in EGFR mutation-positive patients. The results showed that the median progression-free survival time (PFS) of patients with EGFR mutations who received gefitinib was significantly prolonged. Compared with standard chemotherapy, gefitinib The PFS in the nil group was 9.5 months, compared with 6.3 months in the standard chemotherapy group. In addition, overall survival time (OS) was also improved in the gefitinib group.

LUX-Lung 3 and LUX-Lung 6 studies: These studies further confirmed the efficacy of gefitinib in EGFR mutation-positive patients. inIn the LUX-Lung 3 study, the PFS was 11.0 months in the gefitinib group and 6.9 months in the standard chemotherapy group. In the LUX-Lung 6 study, PFS was 9.7 months in the gefitinib arm and 6.9 months in the standard chemotherapy arm. These data highlight the outstanding efficacy of gefitinib in patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC.

OPTIMALandEURTAC studies: Further studies support the effectiveness of gefitinib. In the OPTIMAL study, the PFS was 9.5 months in the gefitinib group, compared with 6.3 months in the standard chemotherapy group. In the EURTAC study, PFS was 9.7 months in the gefitinib group and 5.2 months in the standard chemotherapy group.

Management of post-treatment resistance: Although gefitinib has significant efficacy in EGFR mutation-positive patients, some patients eventually experience drug resistance. In order to deal with this problem, researchers continue to conduct research and develop new treatment strategies, such as switching therapy or combination therapy, to prolong the survival time of patients.

Overall, gefitinib has shown significant efficacy in EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC patients, prolonging progression-free survival time and overall survival time, and improving patient survival rate. However, treatment response still varies between individuals, so doctors need to develop a personalized treatment plan based on the patient's specific situation. The efficacy of gefitinib also needs to continue to be monitored and evaluated during long-term follow-up to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Gefitinib represents an important treatment option for patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC, offering hope for prolonged survival and improved quality of life.

Gefitinib was launched in China in 2005. At that time, the price of a box was about 5,000 yuan. In 2017, I entered medical insurance in China. After medical insurance, the price dropped a lot. Domestic drugs are available in China. For specific prices after medical insurance, please consult the local hospital pharmacy or medical insurance bureau. Other versions include original drugs and cost-effective generic drugs. Generic drugs include generic drugs from India, Bangladesh and Laos. The prices vary with different specifications, about 200~800yuan, and the ingredients of generic drugs are basically the same as domestic drugs.