Afatinib use in non-small cell lung cancer previously sensitive to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors: the United Kingdom Named Patient Programme.

Abstract Introduction Afatinib prolongs progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were previously sensitive to erlotinib or gefitinib. This study investigated experience of afatinib under a Named Patient Use (NPU) programme. Patients and methods Retrospective data for 63 patients were collected, including demographics, dose, toxicity and clinical efficacy. Results Response rate and median PFS were 14.3% and 2.6 months, respectively. Diarrhoea and rash were the most common toxicities; 46% of patients required a dose reduction and 41% had a dose delay. Conclusions Efficacy and safety in the NPU programme are consistent with the LUX-Lung 1 trial.