Correlation between expression of epidermal growth factor receptor and adverse reactions after chemotherapy of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Objective: To analyze the correlation between expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and adverse reactions after chemotherapy of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: A total of 120 NSCLC patients who were treated in our hospital from August 2009 to September 2011 were selected as an observation group, and another 120 healthy subjects were selected as a control group. EGFR expressions in both groups were detected. The observation group was subjected to combination chemotherapy, and their shorter- and long-term prognostic outcomes, adverse reactions and mortality were recorded. Meanwhile, correlation analysis was performed.

Results: The observation group had significantly higher percentage and positive rate in EGFR expression than those of the control group (P<0.05). With increasing stage and lymphatic metastasis, the positive expression rate of EGFR rose significantly (P<0.05). In the observation group, the response rate of treatment was 62.5%, and the incidence rate of adverse reactions after chemotherapy was 28.3% (34/120). The 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 38.3%, 15.0% and 10.0% respectively. Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that TNM stage, lymphatic metastasis and positive EGFR expression were the main independent risk factors for post-chemotherapy adverse reactions (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Advanced NSCLC was commonly accompanied by high EGFR expression. Although chemotherapy was able to improve the prognosis and survival rate, adverse reactions were also induced, being associated with the pathological characteristics and EGFR expressions of patients.