Authors' objectives:

To summarize the available evidence on the use of gefitinib (Iressa TM), manufactured by AstraZeneca, for the treatment of inoperable or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer.

Authors' recommendations: Gefitinib is a drug in a new class of agents designed to inhibit the tyrosine kinase activity of epidermal growth factor receptor. There is no direct evidence that this agent offers a therapeutic advantage compared to other agents or supportive care. Some experts note that the radiographic response rates and the 24% to 35% one-year survival rates observed suggest that there is a benefit compared with historical controls, and they attribute this to the use of the drug. Others, however, note that the patients studied do not represent a typical population of those with refractory advanced or metastatic disease. The associated and controversial pulmonary adverse effects and the increased incidence of death in Japan have not been reported in the US. Post-marketing surveillance is expected to be intense, however, now that gefitinib has been launched in Canada.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.ccohta.ca/

Year Published: 2004

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553, Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA)