Authors' objectives: Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. It is often diagnosed late, once it has spread to other parts of the body and is difficult to treat. Afatinib is a new drug for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer given as a tablet. Some studies have suggested afatinib may be helpful for people whose first treatment has failed and whose disease has spread. Studies are currently ongoing to see how well afatinib works and how safe it is to use. If afatinib is licensed for use in the UK, it could be a new treatment option for patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have not had success with their first treatment. Afatinib may improve survival and cause fewer side effects than current treatments.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2016

URL for published report: http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/topics/afatinib-giotrif-for-advanced-or-metastatic-squamous-non-small-cell-lung-cancer-progressing-on-or-after-platinum-based-chemotherapy/

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre

Contact Address: The NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, 90 Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 121 414 7831, Fax: +44 121 2269

Contact Name: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre (NIHR HSC)