How Effective and What is the Cost and Cost Benefit of Gefitinib?

ByShaun Snapp

Executive Summary 

  • Gefitinib is taken as a treatment for lung cancer.
  • We have never seen a cost-benefit analysis for this drug, so we have done that in this article.

Introduction

Gefitinib is a drug that interferes with the spread of cancer.

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Comments on Gefitinib

The following comments are from Drug.com on Gefitinib.

Comment #1: Slowed Cancer Growth?

My personal experience with Iressa has been very good. The side effects of the drug were so much less than those of intravenous chemotherapy.

Well, it should be. Chemotherapy has very large side effects.

The comment continues.

When I finished traditional chemotherapy in December 2002 I participated in the clinical trials. I started taking Iressa in January 2003. My last scan after traditional chemotherapy showed that the cancer was still growing. My next scan, after taking Iressa for 90 days, showed marked improvement in my condition. Each scan thereafter showed slow but detectable improvement. It is now late May of 2009 and I’m still taking Iressa and still showing signs of improvement.

The side effects, while ever-present are far more tolerable than those of traditional chemotherapy.

So this case indicates tumor reduction. However, if a person is taking Gefitinib along with chemotherapy, it is difficult to say what item is shrinking the tumor.

Comment #2: Feel Fantastic With Minimal Side Effects?

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer 5 months ago – in February 2013 – and following tests was put on Iressa. I can only say that I feel fantastic with only minimal side effects: occasional mild rash on chest (1-2 days only) and a bit tired afternoons – I have a nap for an hour and then all is good.

Comment #3: 83% Reduction in Tumor Size?

I (78 y.o. male) was diagnosed with NSCLC in March 2011 and in late May I started taking Iressa as a first line of treatment. For the first five months my only side effect was a mild rash. I then had swollen gums and stomach acid. Both quickly responded to antibiotics. 75 days between the March and May CT scans the tumor increased by 86% (from 4.9 x 4 cms). 50 days later in July, after taking Iressa, the CT scan revealed an 83% reduction. From March to July it reduced by 69% and in December, although subtle, there has been further reduction. April 2012. True to form, tumour started growing again after 10 months of Iressa treatment. Still looking healthy, active in garden and taking 4 to 6 miles weekly walks. Only side effect was mild rash mainly on body. Now switching to conventional Chemotherapy today 10th May.

Moderate side effects and great outcomes in this case.