Feasibility Study of Sequentially Alternating EGFR-TKIs and Chemotherapy for Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of alternating platinum-based doublet chemotherapy with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced NSCLC harboring an EGFR mutation were enrolled. All patients underwent induction chemotherapy by sequentially alternating pemetrexed/cisplatin/bevacizumab and EGFR-TKIs followed by maintenance therapy with pemetrexed/bevacizumab and EGFR-TKIs. The primary outcome was the completion rate of the induction therapy.

RESULTS

Eighteen eligible patients were enrolled between May 2011 and March 2016. The completion rate of induction therapy was 72.2% (13/18). Unfortunately, one patient developed grade 4 acute renal injury, but no other serious complications concerning this protocol were observed. Furthermore, diarrhea, rashes, and hematological adverse effects were mild.

CONCLUSION

The completion rate of induction therapy was promising. Alternating chemotherapy and EGFR-TKIs should be further investigated regarding feasibility and efficacy.