Gefitinib Alone or with Concomitant Whole Brain Radiotherapy for Patients with Brain Metastasis from Non-small-cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Study

Zeng, Yin-Duo,Zhang, Li,Liao, Hai,Liang, Ying,Xu, Fei,Liu, Jun-Ling,Dinglin, Xiao-Xiao,Chen, Li-Kun Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.3

Background: Gefitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), is used both as a single drug and concurrently with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) the standard treatment for brain metastases (BM), and is reported to be effective in a few small studies of patients with BM from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, no study has compared the two treatment modalities. This retrospective analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy of gefitinib alone with gefitinib plus concomitant WBRT in treatment of BM from NSCLC. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 90 patients with BM from NSCLC who received gefitinib alone (250mg/day, gefitinib group) or with concomitant WBRT (40Gy/20f/4w, gefitinib-WBRT group) between September 2005 and September 2009 at Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center. Forty-five patients were in each group. Results: The objective response rate of BM was significantly higher in gefitinib-WBRT group (64.4%) compared with gefitinib group (26.7%, P<0.001). The disease control rate of BM was 71.1% in gefitinib-WBRT group and 42.2% in gefitinib group (P=0.006). The median time to progression of BM was 10.6 months in gefitinib-WBRT group and 6.57 months in gefitinib group (P<0.001). The median overall survival(OS) of gefitinib-WBRT and gefitinib alone group was 23.40 months and 14.83 months, respectively (HR, 0.432, P=0.002). Conclusion: Gefitinib plus concomitant WBRT had higher response rate of BM and significant improvement in OS compared with gefitinib alone in treatment of BM from NSCLC.

폐암세포주에서 IGF-1R 억제를 이용한 TRAIL 및 gefitinib에 대한 감수성 증가를 위한 연구

이윤진 ( Yoon Jin Lee ),박미영 ( Mi Young Park ),강영애 ( Young Ae Kang ),권성연 ( Sung Youn Kwon ),윤호일 ( Ho Il Yoon ),이재호 ( Jae Ho Lee ),이춘택 ( Choon Taek Lee ) 대한결핵 및 호흡기학회 2007 Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Vol.63 No.1

배경: 폐암의 새로운 치료제로 각광을 받고 있는 TRAIL은 암에 선택적으로 apoptosis를 일으킨다고 알려진 cytokine으로 알려져 있다. 또한 gefitinib (Iressa)는 폐암의 적용된 최초의 표적치료제로 각광을 받고 있다. 그러나 일부의 암세포에서는 이에 대한 저항성을 보이고 있다. 본 연구에서는 암세포에서 외부의 apoptotic 자극에 저항성을 보이는 IGF-1R를 억제함으로 TRAIL 및 gefitinib의 항암작용을 증가시키고자 실험을 시행하였다. 방법: 암세포주는 TRAIL 및 gefitinib에 민감한 NCI H460와 두 약제에 중등도의 저항성을 보이는 A549의 폐암세포주로 시행하였으며 IGF-1R의 억제는 본 연구자가 개발하였던 IGF-1 pathway를 dominant negative inhibition을 할 수 있는 adenovirus-IGF1R(482 ST, 950ST) 및 IGF-1R tyrosine kinase inhibitor인 Tyrphostin AG1024를 사용하였고 gefitinib에 대한 실험에서는 RNA interference를 이용하여 IGF-1R의 발현을 억제하는 adenovirus- shIGF-1R을 이용하였다. 결과: TRAIL에 저항성을 보이는 폐암세포주(A549)에서 adenovirus-IGF1R(482ST, 950ST) 및 AG1024로 IGF-1R를 억제한 후 TRAIL을 투여한 경우 항암효과가 증대되었다. A549에 adenovirus- shIGF-1R을 감염시켜 IGF-1R의 발현을 억제한 결과 gefitinib에 대한 감수성이 증가되었다. 결론: 여러 기전을 이용한 IGF-1R의 억제는 TRAIL 및 gefitinib에 대해 저항성을 보이던 폐암세포주의 감수성을 향상시킴을 확인하였으며 이는 폐암의 임상치료의 한계를 극복할 수 있는 하나의 단초를 제공하였다. 향후 여러 종류의 암세포주에서의 검증 및 in vivo 실험이 필요하리라 생각된다. Background: TRAIL is a cytokine that selectively induces apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. Gefitinib is new targeted drug applied in lung cancer that selectively inhibits EGFR tyrosine kinase. However, lung cancers have shown an initial or acquired resistance to these drugs. This study examined the effect of IGF-1R and its blockade on enhancing the sensitivity of lung cancer cell lines to TRAIL and gefitinib. Methods: Two lung cancer cell lines were used in this study. NCI H460 is very sensitive to TRAIL and gefitinib. On the other hand, A549 shows moderate resistance to TRAIL and gefitinib. The IGF-1R blockade was performed using adenoviruses expressing the dominant negative IGF-1R and shRNA to IGF-1R and AG1024 (IGF-1R tyrosine kinase inhibitor). Results: The adenovirus expressing dominant negative IGF-1R(950st) induced the increased expression of defective IGF-1R on the lung cancer cell surface, and the adenovirus-shIGF-1R effectively decreased the level of IGF-1R expression on cell surface. The genetic blockade of IGF-1R by the adenovirus-dnIGF-1R and AG1024 increased the sensitivity of A549 cells to TRAIL. The reduction of IGF-1R by transduction with ad-shIGF-1R also increased the sensitivity of the A549 cells to gefitinib. Conclusion: The blockade of IGF-1R through various mechanisms increased the sensitivity of the lung cancer cell line that was resistant to TRAIL and gefitinib. However, further studies using other cell lines showing acquired resistance as well as in vivo animal experiments will be needed. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2007; 63: 42-51)

miR-4487 Enhances Gefitinib-Mediated Ubiquitination and Autophagic Degradation of EGFR in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Targeting USP37

김미성,김소희,양세훈,김민석 대한암학회 2022 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.54 No.2

Purpose With the identification of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, EGFR–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are being used widely as the first-line of treatment in NSCLC. These inhibitors block auto-phosphorylation of activated EGFR by competing with ATP binding and mediate EGFR degradation independent of exogenous epidermal growth factor, which is associated with the mutation variants of EGFR. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the TKI-mediated EGFR degradation are still unclear. Materials and Methods To examine the physiological roles of miR-4487 and ubiquitin-specific peptidase 37 (USP37) in gefitinib-mediated EGFR degradation in NSCLC cells, multiple NSCLC cell lines were applied. The level of EGFR expression, apoptosis marker, and autophagic flux were determined by western blot. Expression level of miR-4487 and cell-cycle arrest was analyzed by TaqMan assay and flow cytometry respectively. Results We found that gefitinib mediates EGFR degradation under normal culture conditions, and is dependent on autophagic flux and the mutation variants of EGFR. Gefitinib reduced expression levels of USP37, which mediated EGFR degradation similar to gefitinib. Our results also showed a gefitinib-mediated increase in endogenous miR-4487 level and presented evidence for the direct targeting of USP37 by miR-4487, resulting in the sequential enhancement of ubiquitination, autophagy, and EGFR degradation. Thus, the depletion of USP37 and overexpression of miR-4487 led to an increase in gefitinib-mediated apoptotic cell death. Conclusion These data suggest that miR-4487 is a potential target for treating NSCLC, and miR-4487/USP37-regulated EGFR degradation is a determinant for developing gefitinib resistance. PurposeWith the identification of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, EGFR–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are being used widely as the first-line of treatment in NSCLC. These inhibitors block auto-phosphorylation of activated EGFR by competing with ATP binding and mediate EGFR degradation independent of exogenous epidermal growth factor, which is associated with the mutation variants of EGFR. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the TKI-mediated EGFR degradation are still unclear.Materials and MethodsTo examine the physiological roles of miR-4487 and ubiquitin-specific peptidase 37 (USP37) in gefitinib-mediated EGFR degradation in NSCLC cells, multiple NSCLC cell lines were applied. The level of EGFR expression, apoptosis marker and autophagic flux were determined by western blot. Expression level of miR-4487 and cell cycle arrest was analyzed by TaqMan assay and flow cytometry respectively.ResultsWe found that gefitinib mediates EGFR degradation under normal culture conditions, and is dependent on autophagic flux and the mutation variants of EGFR. Gefitinib reduced expression levels of USP37, which mediated EGFR degradation similar to gefitinib. Our results also showed a gefitinib-mediated increase in endogenous miR-4487 level and presented evidence for the direct targeting of USP37 by miR-4487, resulting in the sequential enhancement of ubiquitination, autophagy, and EGFR degradation. Thus, the depletion of USP37 and overexpression of miR-4487 led to an increase in gefitinib-mediated apoptotic cell death. ConclusionThese data suggest that miR-4487 is a potential target for treating NSCLC, and miR-4487/USP37-regulated EGFR degradation is a determinant for developing gefitinib resistance.

Tolerability and Outcomes of First-Line Pemetrexed-Cisplatin Followed by Gefitinib Maintenance Therapy Versus Gefitinib Monotherapy in Korean Patients with Advanced Nonsquamous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Post Hoc Descriptive Subgroup Analysis of a Ran

강진형,안명주,김동완,조은경,김주항,신상원,Xin Wang,김종숙,Mauro Orlando,박근칠 대한암학회 2016 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.48 No.2

Purpose We recently reported on a randomized, open-label, phase 3 trial comparing pemetrexedcisplatin chemotherapy followed by gefitinib maintenance therapy (PC/G) with gefitinib monotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we report on a post hoc subgroup analysis of that study assessing the demographics and disposition of the Korean patient subgroup, and comparing the tolerability of PC/G and gefitinib monotherapy and the tumor response with respect to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status. Materials and Methods Patients, who were ! 18 years, chemonaïve, Korean, light ex-smokers/never-smokers with advanced NSCLC, were randomly assigned (1:1) to PC/G or gefitinib monotherapy. Treatment- emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were graded, and tumor response was measured as change in lesion sum from baseline at best response. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials. gov, NCT01017874. Results Overall, 111 Korean patients were treated (PC/G, 51; gefitinib, 60). Between-arm characteristics were balanced and similar to those of the overall population. Treatment discontinuations due to adverse events were low (PC/G: 1, 2.0%; gefitinib: 7, 11.7%). Overall, 92 patients (82.9%) reported ! 1 TEAE (PC/G, 44; gefitinib, 48); few patients (PC/G, 16; gefitinib, 7) reported severe TEAEs; the most frequent was neutropenia (PC/G arm) and elevated alanine aminotransferase (gefitinib arm). The lesion sum was decreased by PC/G treatment in most patients, regardless of EGFRmutation status, while gefitinib monotherapy reduced the lesion sum in EGFR-positive patients but had no effect in EGFR-negative patients. Conclusion Our results confirm that both PC/G and gefitinib were well tolerated in Korean patients, regardless of EGFR status; however, patients with EGFR wild-type NSCLC may not benefit from gefitinib monotherapy.

Selumetinib overcomes gefitinib primary and acquired resistance by regulating MIG6/STAT3 in NSCLC

Xiaoping Song,Lina Wang,Wei Tang,Luyao Yuan,Qingchao Liu,Jing Li,Daidi Fan 대한약학회 2023 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.46 No.12

Gefitinib, as the first-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), has achieved great advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but drug resistance will inevitably occur. Therefore, exploring the resistance mechanism of gefitinib and developing new combination treatment strategies are of great importance. In our study, the results showed that selumetinib (AZD6244) synergistically inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC with gefitinib. Selumetinib also enhanced gefitinib-induced apoptosis and migration inhibition ability in gefitinib-resistant lung cancer cell lines. Subsequently, the negative regulation between MIG6 and STAT3 was observed and verified through the STRING database and western blotting assays. Sustained activation of STAT3 was significantly downregulated when co-treatment with selumetinib in gefitinib-resistant cells. However, the downregulation of p-STAT3, resulting from the combination of selumetinib and gefitinib was counteracted by the deletion of MIG6, suggesting that selumetinib enhanced gefitinib sensitivity by regulating MIG6/STAT3 in NSCLC. In contrast, p-STAT3 was further inhibited after treatment with gefitinib and selumetinib when MIG6 was overexpressed. Furthermore, the combined administration of selumetinib and gefitinib effectively promoted the sensitivity of lung cancer xenografts to gefitinib in vivo, and the tumor inhibition rate reached 81.49%, while the tumor inhibition rate of the gefitinib monotherapy group was only 31.95%. Overall, MIG6/STAT3 negative regulation plays an important role in the sustained activation of STAT3 and the resistance to EGFR-TKIs. Our study also suggests that EGFR-TKIs combined with MEK1/2 inhibitors, such as selumetinib, may be beneficial to those NSCLC patients who develop a primary or acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs, providing theoretical support for combining TKIs and selumetinib in clinical cancer treatment.

폐암 환자들에서 Gefitinib (Iressa)에 의한 피부 부작용

윤숙정 ( Sook Jung Yun ),이지범 ( Jee Bum Lee ),김규식 ( Kyu Sik Kim ),김영철 ( Young Chul Kim ) 대한결핵 및 호흡기학회 2006 Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Vol.61 No.2

배경: 최근 폐암 환자에서 사용하는 표적치료 항암약물인 gefitinib (Iressa)은 종양세포의 표피성장인자 수용체의 티로신 키나아제 활동을 선택적으로 억제하여 종양 세포의 성장에 관여하는 신호를 차단함으로써 치료효과를 나타낸다. Gefitinib 복용에 의한 피부 부작용으로 여드름양 발진, 피부 건조증, 모발 변화 등이 알려져 있다. 대상 및 방법: 2004년 10월부터 2005년 9월까지 화순전남대병원에서 비소세포 폐암으로 진단받고 gefitinib을 복용 중인 환자들 중 피부 부작용이 발생하여 피부과에 의뢰된 환자 23명을 대상으로 임상 양상을 분석하였다. 결과: 나이는 23-72세였고, 비소세포 폐암의 종류는 선암 17명, 편평상피세포 폐암 5명이었고, 여자 6명, 남자 17명이었다. 가장 흔한 부작용은 여드름양 발진으로 15명(65.2%)에서 발생하였으며, 주로 두피, 얼굴, 가슴, 등 부위에 무증상의 홍반성 구진으로 나타나며 대부분 gefitinib 복용 1달 이내에 발생하였다. 여드름양 발진의 빈도는 gefitinib 치료에 대한 반응과 유의한 상관관계를 보이지 않았고, 조직 형에 따른 차이도 관찰되지 않았다. 피부 소양증은 9명(39.1%)에서 발생하였으며 경도의 전신 소양증이 가장 많았고, 특히 눈 주변의 소양증을 호소하였다. 인설을 동반한 피부 건조증이 6명(26.1%)에서 발생하였고, 손발바닥의 홍반과 표피 박탈이 5명(21.7%), 손톱이나 발톱주변에 조갑주위염이 5명(21.7%)에서 발생하였다. 드물게 모발이 부러지거나 겨드랑이, 오금에 간찰진이 발생하였다. 결론: 본 연구에서 gefitinib에 의한 다양한 피부 부작용들을 관찰할 수 있었다. Gefitinib을 처방하는 의사들은 피부 부작용에 대한 관심이 필요하며 환자들에게 피부 관리에 대한 교육과 필요한 경우 피부과 의사와 함께 피부 부작용을 치료함으로써 부작용을 경감시킬 수 있었다. Background: Gefitinib (ZD 1839, Iressa) is a new anticancer agent; more specifically, it is a selective epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is, widely used for various solid cancers, including lung cancer. Cutaneous adverse reactions induced by gefitinib have recently been reported; however, not much on this topic has been reported in the Korean literature. Method: We studied cutaneous adverse reactions of gefitinib in 23 patients who suffered with non-small cell lung cancer at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital from October 2004 to September 2005. Result: The patients ranged from 23-72 years old, and there were 17 patients with adenocarcinoma, 5 with squamous cell carcinoma and 1 with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. The most common adverse reaction was acneiform eruptions in 15 patients (65.2%). This reaction appeared within 2 months after medication, and it didn`t correlate with the therapeutic response and tumor type. Pruritus was the second most common reaction (39.1%), which was mild and generalized, especially around eyelid area. Xerosis (26.1%), exfoliation on palm and sole (21.7%), and paronychia (21.7%) followed. Hair breakage and intertrigo were rare adverse reactions. Conclusion: Various cutaneous adverse reactions were observed in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma after gefitinib treatment. The skin complications could be alleviated with dermatologic consultations and treatments, skin complications could be alleviated. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2006; 61: 150-156)

Circ-MAN1A2 Contributes to the Acquired Resistance of Gefitinib by Binding to miR-409-3p to Induce TWIST1 Expression in Non-small-cell Lung Cancer

Yun Li,Jinping Liu,Rong Luo,Yong You,Guiming Chen 한국생물공학회 2022 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.27 No.4

Gefitinib has been widely used as a firstgeneration epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutation. In this study, we explored the key molecules responsible for acquired Gefitinib resistance in NSCLC cells. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed to analyze the Gefitinib resistance and proliferation ability of NSCLC cells. Cell proliferation was also assessed by colony formation assay. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze cell apoptosis. Wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay were performed to the migration and invasion abilities of NSCLC cells, respectively. The target relationship between microRNA-409-3p (miR-409-3p) and circular RNA mannosidase alpha class 1A member 2 (circ- MAN1A2) or twist family bHLH transcription factor 1 (TWIST1) was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Circ-MAN1A2 level was markedly elevated in Gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines and tissues. Circ-MAN1A2 interference sensitized Gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells to Gefitinib. Furthermore, circ-MAN1A2 interference suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted the apoptosis of Gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells. Circ-MAN1A2 overexpression negatively regulated miR-409-3p level by directly binding to it. miR-409-3p silencing partly counteracted circ-MAN1A2 silencing-mediated anti-tumor effects in Gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells. TWIST1 was a target of miR-409-3p, and miR-409-3p overexpression-induced antitumor effects in Gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells were partly reversed by TWIST1 overexpression. Circ-MAN1A2 silencing aggravated Gefitinib-mediated inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, circ-MAN1A2 facilitated the acquired resistance of Gefitinib and other malignant behaviors of NSCLC cells through mediating miR-409-3p/ TWIST1 axis.

MiR-130a Overcomes Gefitinib Resistance by Targeting Met in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines

Zhou, Yong-Ming,Liu, Juan,Sun, Wei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.3

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and the most common cause of lung cancer death. Currently, the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor gefitinib is used for its treatment; however, drug resistance is a major obstacle. Expression of Met has been associated with both primary and acquired resistance to gefitinib, but the mechanisms regulating its expression are not fully understood. Recently, miRNAs such as miR-130a have been shown to play a role in gefitinib resistance, but importance in NSCLC and relationships with Met have not been fully explored. Here we show that miR-130a is over-expressed in gefitinibsensitive NSCLC cell lines, but is low in gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines. Moreover, miR-130a expression was negatively correlated with that of Met. Further analysis revealed that over-expression of miR-130a increased cell apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of NSCLC cells treated with gefitinib, whereas lowering the expression of miR-130a decreased cell apoptosis and promoted cell proliferation after treatment with gefitinib in both gefitinib-sensitive and -resistant NSCLC cell lines, suggesting that miR-130a overcomes gefitinib resistance. We also demonstrated that miR-130a binds to the 3'-UTR of Met and significantly suppresses its expression. Finally, our results showed that over-expressing Met could "rescue" the functions of miR-130a regarding cell apoptosis and proliferation after cells are treated with gefitinib. These findings indicate that the miR-130a/Met axis plays an important role in gefitinib resistance in NSCLC. Thus, the miR-130a/Met axis may be an effective therapeutic target in gefitinib-resistant lung cancer patients.

Intron 1 Polymorphism, Mutation and the Protein Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Relation to the Gefitinib Sensitivity of Korean Lung Cancer Patients

김미진,신경철,이관호 대한병리학회 2009 Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine Vol.43 No.6

Background : Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) intron 1 polymorphism in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been found to have therapeutic implications for the patients treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, its clinical significance as related to gefitinib responsiveness is still controversial. We examined CA repeat polymorphism in intron 1 of the EGFR gene and its relation with the EGFR gene mutation in NSCLC patients who were treated with gefitinib. Methods : Sixty seven patients who were treated with gefitinib were analyzed for intron 1 polymorphism in the EGFR gene, the EGFR mutations and the EGFR protein expression. Two hundred twenty seven samples of NSCLC were analyzed for EGFR mutations. Results : CA repeat was low in 27 patients (40.3%) and high in 40 (59.7%) patients. The response rate for gefitinib therapy was higher in the patient population with a low number of CA repeats in the EGFR gene (p=0.047) and in the patients with the mutated type of EGFR (p= 0.048), though these two factors were not related. Thirty four patients (15.0%) harbored EGFR mutations. Conclusions : This study suggests that the intron 1 CA repeat polymorphism of the EGFR gene may serve as a predictor of the clinical outcome of NSCLC patients treated with gefitinib, and this without regard for EGFR mutation. Our data further supports the importance of EGFR mutations with regard to a distinct clinical profile and the prognostic implications for NSCLC patients. Background : Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) intron 1 polymorphism in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been found to have therapeutic implications for the patients treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, its clinical significance as related to gefitinib responsiveness is still controversial. We examined CA repeat polymorphism in intron 1 of the EGFR gene and its relation with the EGFR gene mutation in NSCLC patients who were treated with gefitinib. Methods : Sixty seven patients who were treated with gefitinib were analyzed for intron 1 polymorphism in the EGFR gene, the EGFR mutations and the EGFR protein expression. Two hundred twenty seven samples of NSCLC were analyzed for EGFR mutations. Results : CA repeat was low in 27 patients (40.3%) and high in 40 (59.7%) patients. The response rate for gefitinib therapy was higher in the patient population with a low number of CA repeats in the EGFR gene (p=0.047) and in the patients with the mutated type of EGFR (p= 0.048), though these two factors were not related. Thirty four patients (15.0%) harbored EGFR mutations. Conclusions : This study suggests that the intron 1 CA repeat polymorphism of the EGFR gene may serve as a predictor of the clinical outcome of NSCLC patients treated with gefitinib, and this without regard for EGFR mutation. Our data further supports the importance of EGFR mutations with regard to a distinct clinical profile and the prognostic implications for NSCLC patients.

Gefitinib-Induced Interstitial Lung Disease in Korean Lung Cancer Patients

범승훈,김동완,심성훈,김범석,박진현,이정옥,김태민,이세훈,허대석 대한암학회 2016 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.48 No.1

Purpose Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a serious adverse effect of gefitinib. We examined the inci- dence and clinical characteristics of drug-induced ILD in Korean non-small cell lung carci- noma patients treated with gefitinib. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who started gefitinib treatment at Seoul National University Hospital from January 2002 through December 2011. Patients who developed new abnormal radiologic findings with respiratory symptoms after gefitinib treatment were defined as having possible adverse pulmonary reactions. The patients’ medical records were reviewed independently by inves- tigators to identify the causes of pulmonary toxicities. Results Among the 1,114 patients evaluated, 128 patients (11.5%) developed pulmonary adverse reactions after taking gefitinib. An infectious complication occurred in 98 patients (8.8%) and 15 patients (1.3%) developed ILD. Nine of the 15 patients (60.0%) with gefitinib-induced ILD experienced a fatal clinical course that met either the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 4 (n=3) or grade 5 (n=6). In the multivariate analysis, a lower serum albumin level (! 3.0 g/dL) at baseline was significantly associated with the development of gefitinib-induced ILD (odds ratio, 3.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.20 to 12.71). Conclusion The incidence of gefitinib-induced ILD in Korean NSCLC patients was similar to that reported worldwide, but lower than values reported for Japanese population. ILD was usually a life- threatening adverse effect of gefitinib, and the development of ILD was significantly asso- ciated with a lower baseline serum albumin level.