Sk Haidar Ali, Suvra Mondal, Santu Mondal, Amitabha Chakrabarti
Background: Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SqCC) is a challenging subtype of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Afatinib, an irreversible ErbB family blocker, has shown efficacy as a second-line option after platinum-based Chemotherapy but its role in Indian patients is unclear.
Aims and Objectives : To evaluate the effectiveness, safety and Quality of Life (QoL) of afatinib in Indian patients with advanced lung SqCC after platinum-based chemotherapy.
Materials and Methods : This retrospective study included 110 patients with stage III or IV lung SqCC who received first-line chemotherapy followed by afatinib. Tumor assessments were performed every 8 weeks until progression, Adverse Events (AEs) were graded using CTCAE and QoL was assessed using GHS/QoL scale.
Results: The median age was 65 years, 83.6% were males, 84% were non-smokers and 80% were at stage IV. Afatinib resulted in a median Progression Free Survival (PFS) of 3.7months, an Overall Response Rate (ORR) of 9.7%, and a Disease Control Rate (DCR) of 45%. The most common grade 2 AEs were Diarrhea (38%), Rash/acne (32%) and Stomatitis (11%) and the most common grade 3 AEs were Diarrhea (7%) and Stomatitis (3%). QoL improved in 31.7% of patients, pain reduced in 36.7%, cough alleviated in 41.7% and dyspnea improved in 55%. These findings are consistent with the LUX-Lung 8 trial.
Conclusions: Afatinib is an effective and safe second-line treatment for advanced lung SqCC after platinumbased chemotherapy in Indian patients. Afatinib also improves QoL and symptom control in this population. Future research should explore biomarkers and resistance mechanisms to afatinib in lung SqCC.
Efficacy and Safety of Afatinib as Second-line Treatment in Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung : A Retrospective Observational Study
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