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Aim Retrospective analysis of disease clinical course with a purpose of defining potential prognostic parameters which are essential for optimal target therapy. Methods The study involved 29 patients with histologically confirmed lung adenocarcinoma and existing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, which are treated by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Results Allegations of a larger prevalence in women and non-smokers were found. The study confirmed dominance of mutations on exon 19 and exon 21. Usefulness of the treatment with erlotinib in terms of increasing survival time was evident. Median survival of patients in the survey sample was 14.5 months. Median survival in relation to gender or smoking status did not show statistical significance. Conclusion Considering obtained results, we have confirmed that patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma and present mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor, who had been treated with first generation TKI, had median survival time of over a year.

HeadHER1/EGFR is known to play a pivotal role in tumorigenesis and is overexpressed in up to 80% of NSCLCs. The study of an Expanded Access Clinical Program of Erlotinib in NSCLC is a phase IV openlabel, non-randomized, multicenter trial in patients with advanced (inoperable stage IIIb/IV) NSCLC who were eligible for treatment with erlotinib but had no access to trial participation. Patients for the study from Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) were selected from two Clinical centres (Sarajevo and Banja Luka). The aim of study was to evaluated efficacy and tolerability of erlotinib monotherapy in this setting. All patients who received at least one dose of erlotinib and data were entered in the database as of the CRF cut-off date of 14th May 2008 were included in analysis of data (n = 19). This population is defined as the Intent to Treat (ITT) population and includes all patients who had at least one dose of erlotinib regardless of whether major protocol violations were incurred. The findings are consistent with the results of the randomized, placebo-controlled BR.21 study. Indicating that erlotinib is an effective option for patients with advanced NSCLC who are unsuitable for, or who have previously failed standard chemotherapy. In B&H group of patients DCR was almost 84%, and PFS was approximately 24,7 weeks (compared with 44% and 9,7 weeks for erlotinib reported in phase III). Almost three quarter of the patients received erlotinib as their second line of therapy. Overall, erlotinib was well tolerated; there were no patients who withdrew due to a treatment-related AE (mainly rash) and there were few dose reductions. 24% of patients experienced an SAE (most commonly gastrointestinal (GI) disorders).