A Retrospective Survey of Implementation Status of Non-daily Administration of Gefitinib to Control Associated Adverse Reactions

Abstract

Gefitinib is administered daily for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer. Gefitinib treatment is often discontinued, however, because of associated adverse reactions such as skin rashes and hepatic disorder. In the present study, we surveyed the implementation status of non-daily administration of gefitinib to control associated adverse reactions particularly at Nagara Medical Center. Of 56 patients treated with gefitinib from March 2005 to May 2011, 21 received non-daily administration of gefitinib. The non-daily administration method used most frequently was once every 2 days. Of the 21 patients who received non-daily administration of gefitinib, 18 could continue treatment because the associated adverse reactions were controlled. The most common reasons for complementation with non-daily administration were hepatic disorder, anorexia, and dermatitis. Of the 6 patients who received non-daily administration of gefitinib because of hepatic disorder, 5 could continue treatment because hepatic disorder was controlled. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were significantly lower during non-daily administration than during daily administration of gefitinib. Control of adverse reactions was essential for the continuation of gefitinib treatment over a long period of time. Therefore, non-daily administration of gefitinib is considered a useful treatment option for the control of adverse reactions induced by gefitinib.