Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) was found to prolong postprogression survival (PPS) in non-small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC) patients, according to a research presented at the recent IASLC Asia Pacific Lung Cancer Conference (APLCC) 2016 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

TKI continuation was significantly associated with longer PPS in patients with exon 19 deletion, compared to discontinuation (p=0.02). Of the 144 patients 63 patients with a single lesion had a significantly longer PPS compared to those with 2 to 3 and ≥4 lesions (p=0.015). TKI continuation was also associated with a stable disease compared to the previous scan (p=0.017). [APLCC 2016, abstract ABS 081]

Multivariate analysis of age, gender, smoking history, change compared to prior scan, site progression extracranial lesions, brain metastasis, and chemotherapy showed longer PPS in NSCLC patients with exon 19 deletion, but not those with L858R mutation (p=0.03).

Currently, the role of continuing first generation TKI in NSCLC patients after progression remains unknown, said the researchers. This study aimed to explore factors that may show benefit for TKI continuation, including longer PPS.

NSCLC patients with exon 19 deletions may benefit most from TKI continuation, said the researchers. However, larger prospective studies are required to strengthen these findings, they added.

Study participants included 144 NSCLC patients treated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-TKI from June 2009 to October 2014, in West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Patient records were retrospectively retrieved, and the number of progressive lesions upon first progression was recorded.