Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Publication Date
2015
Journal Title
Expert Rev Anticancer Ther
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. At diagnosis, half of the patients are over 70 years of age, and most present with advanced disease, for which chemotherapy is recommended as first-line treatment. However, the benefit from such therapy is modest and it is at times poorly tolerated. The discovery of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) has significantly impacted the treatment of patients with EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC. These novel agents demonstrate efficacy and a favorably mild toxicity profile. Despite limited data in elderly patients, the largest subpopulation in NSCLC, EGFR-TKIs are considered the standard of care therapy for advanced EGFR-positive disease in the elderly. In this review, we seek to compile the available data about the EGFR-TKIs use in elderly patients with advanced NSCLC, with the hope to better understand its role in this major yet, underrepresented, group of patients.
Volume Number
15
Issue Number
11
Pages
1327-36
Document Type
Article
EPub Date
2015/09/29
Status
Faculty, Northwell Researcher
Facility
School of Medicine; Northwell Health
Primary Department
Hematology/Medical Oncology
PMID
DOI
10.1586/14737140.2015.1092385