2006 Volume 32 Issue 10 Pages 1033-1037
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of gefitinib on quality of life (QOL) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer in general practice. In order to do this, we retrospectively reviewed data of all patients who received a single course of treatment with gefitinib at Tosei General Hospital from July 2002 until May 2004, and evaluated their QOL based on The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer's QLQ-C30 before and 4 weeks after initiation of treatment. Data for 45 patients were analyzed. Many QOL scores improved in patients who responded to treatment, though such improvement was not statistically significant. In addition many QOL scores improved in patients in whom the disease was stable, and many deteriorated in patients in whom it was progressing, though such changes were not statistically significant.
In conclusion, a good response to gefitinib treatment can improve QOL in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer even if they have experienced a relapse or the disease has been refractory with 1 st or 2 nd line treatment. Pharmacists should take these findings into consideration when providing pharmaceutical advice to patients.
