Abstract |
Platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard first-line treatment for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, randomized trials have recently demonstrated the efficacy of several new drugs ( pemetrexed, bevacizumab, cetuximab, erlotinib, gefitinib) in this setting. Hence, the choice of optimal treatment is no longer limited to the different platinum-based doublets. In order to guide clinical management of patients with advanced NSCLC, assess the strengths and limitations of available evidence, and to suggest priorities for clinical research, the Italian Association of Thoracic Oncology organized an International Expert Panel Meeting on the first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC, which took place in Sperlonga (Italy) in May 2009. Experts recommended that every effort should be made to obtain adequate tumor tissue before initiating treatment. Tumor histology/cytology subtyping is now important for the correct choice of treatment. In particular, considering efficacy data obtained with pemetrexed and safety concerns with bevacizumab, a division between squamous and non-squamous tumors is necessary. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation analysis, at present, is not recommended in all patients, but should be performed in subgroups of patients characterized by higher prevalence of sensitizing mutations (Asians, never smokers, women, adenocarcinoma). When a mutation is present, first-line treatment with single-agent EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitor may be considered. Finally, the potential benefit of maintenance treatment for patients without progression at the end of first-line should be carefully discussed with each patient. Although the number of treatment options for patients with advanced NSCLC has increased recently, their results remain modest and further research is mandatory.
|
Authors | Cesare Gridelli, Andrea Ardizzoni, Jean-Yves Douillard, Nasser Hanna, Christian Manegold, Francesco Perrone, Robert Pirker, Rafael Rosell, Frances A Shepherd, Luigi De Petris, Massimo Di Maio, Filippo de Marinis |
Journal | Lung cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
(Lung Cancer)
Vol. 68
Issue 3
Pg. 319-31
(Jun 2010)
ISSN: 1872-8332 [Electronic] Ireland |
PMID | 20036027
(Publication Type: Consensus Development Conference, Editorial, Review)
|
Copyright | Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
- Platinum Compounds
- EGFR protein, human
- ErbB Receptors
|
Topics |
- Animals
- Biomedical Research
- Biopsy
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung
(diagnosis, immunology, pathology, therapy)
- ErbB Receptors
(antagonists & inhibitors)
- Group Processes
- Humans
- Immunotherapy
- Lung Neoplasms
(diagnosis, immunology, pathology, therapy)
- Medical Oncology
- Platinum Compounds
(therapeutic use)
- Practice Guidelines as Topic
- Precision Medicine
- Societies, Medical
|