For some people living with lung cancer, a daily pill may work as well – but with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
In a phase III clinical trial – a type of trial that checks to see if an experimental drug works better, or is less toxic than standard treatments, 1 pill per day of gefitinib (Iressa) was compared with an IV dose of docetaxel (Taxotere) every 3 weeks.
While neither of the treatments appeared to work better than the other, those in the pill group had fewer side effects. The most common side effects in the pill takers were an acne-like rash and diarrhea. For those receiving standard chemotherapy, side effects included a low white blood cell count (neutropenia), fatigue, and hair loss.
Lung cancer survivors that were studied in this trial included those with locally advanced, and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer All had all been treated with at least 1 course of chemotherapy before starting the trial.
Side effects of chemotherapy are one of the most dreaded problems associated with lung cancer treatment. It is encouraging that research is focusing not only on effective treatments, but treatments that are tolerated better, allowing for an improved quality of life during treatment.
Gefitinib is a type of targeted therapy, treatments designed to attack cancer specifically and spare normal cells.
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Source:
Kim, E. et al. Gefitinib versus docetaxel in previously treated non-small-cell lung cancer (INTEREST): a randomized phase III trial. The Lancet. 2008. 372(9652):1809-1818.
Less sided effects will always be welcome when treating cancer. Any idea (didn’t see it mentioned) if it’s effective on all stages of lung cancer? Some of the stages get really nasty, and a drug with fewer side effects would be really welcome.
Aaron,
I agree that a drug with fewer side effects is certainly welcome and long overdue. This study looked at individuals with locally advanced or metastatic lung cancer – stage 3 and 4 disease – who often have other symptoms related to lung cancer, and deserve a treatment that doesn’t add to those symptoms.