How long can I survive if the lung cancer tumor spreads after taking Gefitinib?

The survival time of patients treated with gefitinib (Gefitinib) for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) will vary depending on a variety of factors, including disease severity, molecular characteristics of the tumor, response to treatment, and individual physiological conditions. When lung cancer spreads to other parts and enters the advanced stage, the main goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, prolong survival, and improve quality of life. Here are some key factors that influence how long patients live while treated with gefitinib:

1. Tumor type and molecular characteristics: Different types of non-small cell lung cancer may have different biological characteristics that affect their response to treatment. EGFRMutation is an important indicator for treatment with gefitinib because the mutation is associated with sensitivity to the drug. Gefitinib may be more effective in patients with EGFR mutations.

2. Treatment response: After treatment with gefitinib, the patient's tumor may shrink, stabilize, or progress to varying degrees. Response to treatment affects patient survival. If the tumor responds well to the drug, survival may be extended.

3. Drug resistance: Although gefitinib is effective in some patients, some patients may develop resistance over time, making the drug less effective. This may affect patient survival.

4. Individual differences: Each patient’s survival is unique and affected by multiple factors such as genetics, health status and lifestyle.

5. Treatment strategy: The use of gefitinib is usually part of a comprehensive treatment strategy. As the condition changes, doctors may adjust the treatment plan based on the patient's response and drug resistance, including trying other targeted drugs, combination drugs, radiotherapy or other supportive treatments.

6. Patient’s overall condition: The patient’s overall health also affects survival. Factors such as physical condition, immune function, and comorbid diseases may affect patient prognosis.

It is important to emphasize that there is no exact formula for predicting how long you will live after treatment with gefitinib. Each patient's situation is unique, and survival is affected by multiple factors. If you or someone you know is considering treatment with gefitinib, have an in-depth discussion with your doctor to understand treatment expectations, possible effects, and treatment adjustments that may be needed. Doctors will provide patients with the best treatment recommendations based on the latest clinical data and individual circumstances.

Gefitinib was launched in China in 2005. At that time, the price of a box was about 5,000 yuan. Enter medical insurance in China in 2017. The price after medical insurance has dropped a lot. For the specific price after medical insurance, please consult the local hospital pharmacy or the 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.