Cetuximab Combination with Chemotherapy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of cetuximab combined with chemotherapy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer(NSCLC),and to investigate the association of status of K-RAS gene mutation and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) genotype with clinical outcome. Methods:Between Jan.2006 and Sep.2009,nineteen patients with advanced NSCLC received cetuximab(≥4 weeks) combined with chemotherapy in Department of Thoracic Oncology at Beijing Cancer Hospital.Response, survival and toxicity were retrospectively assessed,epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) protein expression was evaluated by ELISA Kit.The status of K-RAS gene mutation was tested by PCR-RFLP and EGFR gene amplification was measured by EGFR fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH). Results:Partial response(PR) was observed in 26.3%(5/19) of the patients and stable disease(SD) in 52.6%(10/19).Median progression free survival(PFS) was 6 months(95%CI:3.6-8.4).Median overall survival (MST) and 1-year survival rate(SR) were 10.6 months(95%CI:6.6-14.6) and 47.6%,respectively.Mild or moderate skin rash was the most common toxicity related with cetuximab.K-RAS gene mutation,EGFR protein level and amplification have little correlation with prognosis. Conclusion:Cetuximab combined with chemotherapy was tolerable and the skin rash related with cetuximab was mild to moderate.Cetuximab may prolong survival of the patients who failed to previous chemotherapy.