Abstract
BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is commonly overexpressed in lung squamous cell carcinoma and has been associated with impaired prognosis. The aim of this study was to observe the efficacy and safety of nimotuzumab, a anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, combined with chemotherapy as second- or later-line in the treatment of advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of clinical data was conducted in 13 patients with advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma, who were administered with nimotuzumab combined with chemotherapy as second-line or later-line treatment. The efficacy of therapy was evaluated according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 and safety by National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI-CTC) 4.0. RESULTS: Of the 13 advanced squamous-cell lung cancer patients, one patient had complete response (CR), 2 patients had partial response (PR), 4 cases had stable disease (SD), and 6 patients had progressive disease. The overall response rate (ORR) was 23.1% and clinical benefit rate (CBR) was 53.8%. EGFR expression were detected by immunohistochemistry in 6 patients and the results showed 5 patients were EGFR 3+ and the other was EGFR 2+. Of these 6 EGFR positive patients, 1 case had CR, 1 case had PR and 4 cases had SD; ORR was 33.3% and CBR was 100.0%. Grade 3/4 hematological toxicities were observed in 3 (23.1%) patients, and non-hametological toxicities were mild. Nimotuzumab-associated skin rash was found in 2 (15.4%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Nimotuzumab combined with chemotherapy as second- or later-line therapy for advanced squamous cell lung carcinoma was active and well-tolerated, especially for those patients with EGFR positive.