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