13. The effectiveness of first-line afatinib 30mg daily as a starting dose in patients with advanced-stage EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer

Vu Ha Thanh, Ta Van To, Nguyen Thi Thai Hoa, Truong Cong Minh, Bui Xuan Thang

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Abstract

Afatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has received approval from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. This retrospective descriptive study investigated patients diagnosed with stage IIIC/IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) according to the AJCC 8th edition, characterized by adenocarcinoma histology and harboring an EGFR mutation. These individuals underwent treatment with afatinib, initiated at a daily dosage of 30mg, at K Hospital from April 2018 to October 2023. The objectives included evaluating treatment response, progression-free survival, and adverse events. The study yielded a notable response rate of 76.9% and a high disease control rate of 94%. The overall response rate was 76.9%, and the disease control rate was 94%. The median progression-free survival time was 11.9 months. Treatment-related adverse events were documented, such as rash (29.0%), stomatitis (11.1%), paronychia (19.6%), diarrhea (39.3%), and increased liver enzymes (7.6%). Grade 3 adverse events occurred in less than 2% of the study population, with no instanceof grade 4 adverse events. The initiation of first-line afatinib treatment at a daily dose of 30 mg demonstrates positive outcomes in terms of treatment response and median progression-free survival, accompanied by a low rate of adverse effects.

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References

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