Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and progression-free survival of erlotinib after progression of disease to gefitinib in patients with advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma who previously obtained a disease control with gefitinib.
Method: In this retrospective study, 12 patients with advanced or metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinoma,who were previously obtained a partial response or a stable disease with gefitinib,were treated with erlotinib after gefitinib failure. Erlotinib efficiency, progression-free survival and overall survival were analyzed.
Results: Nice (75%)achieved stable disease and three (25%) achieved progression disease with erlotinib treatment after gefitinib failure. No complete response or partial response was observed. The disease control rate was 75%. The median progression-free survival and overall survival of erlotinib were 180 days and 831 days.
Conclusion: Erlotinib seems to be an optional treatment after gefitinib failure for advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma patients,who previously responded to gefitinib.