Efficacy of Gefitinib, an Inhibitor of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase, in Symptomatic Patients With Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

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Abstract
More persons in the United States die from non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) than from breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer combined.1 Each year, more than 60 000 persons develop stages IIIB and IV NSCLC; nearly all go on to die from metastatic spread. In addition, most individuals experience symptoms caused directly by lung cancer. These symptoms are often the first manifestations of the illness and increase in frequency and severity as the disease progresses. Cough, shortness of breath, weight loss, loss of appetite, and chest tightness impair the quality of lives already cut short by NSCLC. For patients with advanced lung cancer, physical well-being and changes in quality of life correlate with survival.2 Especially among patients with metastatic NSCLC, who are rarely cured, lessening lung cancer symptoms without adding burdensome adverse effects is an important goal of care. No anticancer therapy has been proven to be beneficial to persons seeking additional care after receiving 2 or more chemotherapy regimens.

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