American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
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Drug costs and reimbursement issues for targeted therapies for lung cancer and how they affect pharmacy practice are discussed. Lung cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer death in the western world. Despite improvements in treatment results, less than 15% of patients survive five years after their primary diagnosis. ⋯ Gefitinib is an orally available small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets the intracellular domain of the EGFR. It has demonstrated activity and tolerable toxicity in patients with NSCLC. Because of its daily oral route of administration, patient compliance and education are of paramount importance, and the pharmacist plays an increasingly important role in patient management.
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Dec 2003
Epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted therapy and symptom improvement in non-small cell lung cancer.
Epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted therapy and symptom improvement in non-small cell lung cancer are discussed. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common and frequently incurable disease. Patients with advanced stage IIIB/IV disease, although not candidates for curative resection, can benefit from treatment that prolongs survival, alleviates symptoms, and reduces complications. ⋯ Gefitinib is one member of a new class of targeted anticancer agents known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors with activity against NSCLC. In clinical trials, gefitinib has produced responses in patients with relapsed or refractory NSCLC, reduced disease-related symptoms, and has been associated with improvements in quality of life. Such targeted therapy may have a significant impact on the treatment of patients with NSCLC.