Gefitinib for advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Gefitinib is approved as monotherapy for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients who have failed prior platinum-based treatment and docetaxel chemotherapy. Its efficacy when compared to standard treatment and best supportive care is unproven. Common drug-related adverse effects include gastrointestinal and skin disorders. Rare but serious drug-related adverse events, such as shock, thrombophlebitis, thrombocytopenia and interstitial lung disease, have been reported.