Cetuximab combination with chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

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. 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). 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. 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.