Erlotinib, docetaxel, and gefitinib in sequential cohorts with relapsed non-small cell lung cancer

SummaryBackgroundBoth docetaxel and erlotinib improve overall survival over best supportive care in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We assessed the effectiveness of erlotinib (E) and gefitinib (G) in patients with relapsed NSCLC in both second- and third-line settings, and compared this with that of docetaxel (D), in our clinical practice.MethodsSequential cohorts of patients with relapsed advanced stage NSCLC who had been treated with erlotinib (150 mg), gefitinib (250 mg), or docetaxel (75 mg/m2) were retrospectively identified from our database. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Secondary endpoints were response rate and progression-free survival.ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, there was no significant difference in overall survival between the three drugs in both second-line (median E = 24; G = 25; D = 43 weeks, p = 0.17), and third-line (median E = 31; G = 24; D = 29 weeks, p = 0.61) settings. Response rates were also not statistically significant between the three drugs across both lines of treatment.ConclusionsErlotinib, gefitinib, and docetaxel have similar effectiveness in this non-trial setting.