Background. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority of lung cancer cases and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The emergence of targeted therapies, particularly epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors such as erlotinib, has significantly changed treatment strategies for selected patient populations. Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes of EGFR-targeted therapy with erlotinib versus standard polychemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including 56 patients with histologically confirmed NSCLC (adenocarcinoma subtype) treated at a specialized oncology center. Patients were divided into two groups: 28 received erlotinib, and 28 received platinum-based polychemotherapy. Treatment efficacy was assessed based on progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and toxicity profile. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and statistical significance was determined using the log-rank test. Results: The median PFS was significantly longer in the erlotinib group compared to the polychemotherapy group (10.8 vs 6.4 months, p = 0.003). However, no statistically significant difference in overall survival was observed (20.4 vs 18.7 months, p = 0.28). The objective response rates were comparable between groups. Erlotinib demonstrated a more favorable safety profile, with significantly lower rates of hematological toxicity, while dermatologic adverse events were more common but manageable. Subgroup analysis showed improved outcomes in patients with EGFR mutations treated with erlotinib. Conclusion: Erlotinib provides a significant benefit in progression-free survival and exhibits better tolerability compared to polychemotherapy in patients with NSCLC, particularly in those with EGFR mutations. However, overall survival remains comparable between treatment strategies. These findings support the use of EGFR-targeted therapy as a preferred option in selected patient populations.

NSCLC, erlotinib, EGFR inhibitors

Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL, et al. Global cancer statistics 2020. CA Cancer J Clin . 2021 ;71 (3):209–249.

Herbst RS, Morgensztern D, Boshoff C. The biology and management of non-small cell lung cancer. Nature . 2018 ;553:446 –454.

Molina JR, Yang P, Cassivi SD, et al. Non-small cell lung cancer: epidemiology, risk factors, and survivorship. Mayo Clin Proc . 2008 ;83 (5):584–594.

Schiller JH, Harrington D, Belani CP, et al. Comparison of four chemotherapy regimens for advanced NSCLC. N Engl J Med . 2002 ;346: 92–98.

Midha A, Dearden S, McCormack R. EGFR mutation incidence in NSCLC. Br J Cancer . 2015 ;113:289 –299.

Shepherd FA, Rodrigues Pereira J, Ciuleanu T, et al. Erlotinib in previously treated NSCLC. N Engl J Med . 2005 ;353:123 –132.

Zhou C, Wu YL, Chen G, et al. Erlotinib vs chemotherapy as first-line treatment for EGFR-mutated NSCLC (OPTIMAL study). Lancet Oncol . 2011 ;12:735 –742.

Lee CK, Brown C, Gralla RJ, et al. Impact of EGFR inhibitors vs chemotherapy on survival. J Natl Cancer Inst . 2017 ;109 (6):djw279.