The efficacy and safety of gefitinib combined with conventional chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Objective: To explore the effectiveness and safety of gefitinib combined with conventional chemotherapy in treating advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: From August 2014 to September 2016, 114 patients with advanced NSCLC treated in our hospital were included in this study. Among them, 46 patients underwent conventional chemotherapy and were included in group A (GA), and the other 68 patients were administered gefitinib combined with conventional chemotherapy and were included in group B (GB). The two groups' clinical curative effects were compared. The changes in the tumor markers and immune function indexes were compared in both groups before and after the therapy. The incidences of toxic side effects were compared between the two groups during the treatment. The two groups' PFS and OS were compared for 3 years. The quality of life was compared in both groups. Results: After the therapy, the ORR and DCR in GB were significantly higher than they were in GA, and the expression levels of the tumor markers in GB were significantly lower than they were in GA. There was no significant difference in the patients' immune function indexes in GB compared with their levels before the therapy, but they were significantly lower in GA. The incidence of toxic side effects in GB was significantly lower than it was in GA. The PFS and OS in GB were significantly longer than they were in GA. The quality of life in GB was significantly higher than it was in GA. Conclusion: Compared with chemotherapy alone, gefitinib combined with conventional chemotherapy is more effective and safer in treating advanced NSCLC, and it can improve patient survival, so it is worthy of clinical promotion.