Dacomitinib in advanced lung cancer: variety of disadvantages lifts survival advantage

IQWiG

 1 August 2019 - Prolonged survival is sometimes accompanied by severe side effects, symptom and quality of life deterioration

For the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma with activating epidermal growth factor receptor  mutations, dacomitinib has been available since regulatory approval in April 2019. In an early benefit assessment, the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care has now investigated whether this drug adds value to those affectedcompared to the ACT. 

The result: dacomitinib treatment is associated with longer overall survival. At the same time, sufferers are more likely to experience side effects, including serious events. Their symptoms also get worse sooner and more often than under the comparison treatment, and their health-related quality of life is worse. Overall, an added benefit compared to the ACT is therefore not proven.

Read IQWiG press release [German]

Michael Wonder

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Michael Wonder