Comparing Gefitinib and Traditional Chemotherapy for Better Survival in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Current non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment consists of various combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation, depending on the tumor stage. Individuals with stage II-IIIa NSCLC undergo surgery, followed by combination chemotherapy containing cisplatin, such as vinorelbine + cisplatin. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as gefitinib, act by inhibiting any signaling pathway containing the EGFR mutation and inhibiting the growth of NSCLC. TKI is a treatment option in advanced NSCLC, resulting in more prolonged progression-free survival (PFS). This manuscript aims to evaluate the influence of utilizing gefitinib -either alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic drug regimens upon NSCLC patient profile survival parameters. A systematic literature review was conducted across multiple scientific literature repositories. The review was performed using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020.There were six randomized clinical trials (RCT) and five retrospective studies. The overall consensus based on the end outcome of each published journal on the effectiveness of gefitinib as a treatment option for NSCLC indicated that there was a notable difference in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and disease-free survival (DFS) datasets. Gefitinib use correlated with increased timeframes for multiple patient survival parameters within articles shortlisted in this investigation. However, more comprehensive investigations are required to validate such correlations. Gefitinib did demonstrate the potential to provide beneficial effects and counteract NSCLC within such patients.

A meta-analysis of recombinant human endostatin combined with NP regimen for treating non-small cell lung cancer

“…NP regimen (vinorelbine and cisplatin) is widely used in the treatment of NSCLC, which can effectively prolong the survival time of patients, but the tumor cells are prone to drug resistance and the prognosis is poor. [9][10][11] Studies have shown that neoangiogenesis plays an important role in the development of NSCLC, and antiangiogenesis has become a major direction in antitumor therapy. [12,13] Recombinant human endothelin, as an antiangiogenic drug, can inhibit tumor neoangiogenesis and block the nutrient supply of tumor cells, achieving the purpose of inhibiting tumor proliferation and metastasis.…”

Vegfer-2 Inhibitors and Quinazoline-Based Anticancer Agents

“…Regarding the effectiveness of Gefitinib within NSCLC patients having an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutated status, Gefitinib was found to have elevated efficacy levels in salvage and within NSCLC patients carrying the exon 19 deletion mutation and/or exon 21 Leu858Arg mutation status. (Kanagalingam et al 2023)…”