Afatinib Dose Adjustment Improves Tolerability Without Affecting Efficacy in NSCLC

Dose adjustments of afatinib among patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) appear to reduce the incidence and severity of treatment-related adverse events without negatively affecting efficacy, according to a post-hoc analysis of the LUX-Lung 3 and LUX-Lung 6 trials.¹

Dose reductions, which occurred mostly within the first 6 months of treatment, were associated with decreases in the incidence and severity of treatment-related adverse events.

Median progression-free survival was similar between those who had a dose reduction within the first 6 months and those who did not.

These findings may provide clinicians and patients with confidence when reducing the dose of afatinib to address treatment-related adverse events.

The multicenter, open-label, phase 3 LUX-Lung 3 and LUX-Lung 6 trials evaluated the efficacy and safety of first-line afatinib, compared with that of chemotherapy, among patients with EGFR mutation-positive, advanced NSCLC.

Both studies demonstrated a significant improvement in progression-free survival, lung cancer-related symptoms, and quality of life with afatinib.

Reference

1. New analysis showed dose adjustment of Giotrif (afatinib) improved tolerability without an apparent impact on efficacy in patients with EGFR mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer [press release]. Boehringer Ingelheim website. https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/press-release/new-analysis-showed-dose-adjustment-giotrif-afatinib-improved-tolerability. Updated September 8, 2016. Accessed September 9, 2016.