Afatinib Therapy: Practical Management of Adverse Events With an Oral Agent for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment.

Academic Article

Abstract

  • BACKGROUND: Afatinib is an oral, irreversible ErbB family blocker indicated for first-line treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with non-resistant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Afatinib is also approved for the treatment of metastatic squamous NSCLC following progression on platinum-based chemotherapy. Common afatinib-associated toxicities include gastrointestinal and dermatologic events, which can be dose limiting. OBJECTIVES: In this review, the authors describe clinical trial experiences with afatinib, as well as best practices and practical approaches to the management of afatinib-associated adverse events in EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC. METHODS: Safety and tolerability data from phase 3 trials of afatinib were reviewed, together with real-life experiences from the authors' clinical practices. FINDINGS: Patient education, combined with early assessment and effective management of afatinib-related adverse events as well as dose- reduction strategies, allows patients to continue treatment and maximize the clinical benefits of afatinib.

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    Keywords

  • adverse events, afatinib, dose reduction, non-small cell lung cancer, Adult, Afatinib, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols, Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions, Education, Nursing, Continuing, ErbB Receptors, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Mutation, Protein Kinase Inhibitors

    • Digital Object Identifier (doi)

    Author List

  • Edwards RL; Andan C; Lalla RV; Lacouture ME; O'Brien D; Sequist LV

    • Start Page

  • 542

    • End Page

  • 548

    • Volume

  • 22

    • Issue

  • 5