What happen if one is testing EGFR negative? Is there still hope in life without these targetted therapies?

[Hopeforbest]

Hi there, has anyone taken Iressa which was subsequently proven ineffective from CT scan after the first cycle i.e. the tumor continues to grow instead of shrinking. Could this be due to EGFR negative and is a second biopsy needed? What type of treatment other than chemotherapy is suitable for this category of lung cancer patients? Are there oral chemo drugs?

[Hidden]

Hi there,

Is Iressa your first treatment or have you had previous chemotherapy?

You would probably have been tested to see if you were EGFR positive before you were started on Iressa. It is only available in England and Wales to patients who are EGFR positive, unless you have been part of a clinical trial.

Your treatment very much demands on the type and stage of your lung cancer.

I would recommend that you speak to your Specialist Nurse or Consultant.

If I can be of further assistance, please call 0333 323 7200 option 2

Best wishes,

Beth, on behalf of Information and support.

[Hopeforbest in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for responding to this desperate call. I have had 4 times of chemotherapy and then 30 days of radiotherapy on the primary spot on the lung. After the chemotherapy, CT scan result showed that the tumor has strunk alittle, then had radiotherapy, another CT scan showed progression, also others spots (brain, kidney, adrenal gland, lymph nodes) as well indicating it had spread further. Started Iressa for 2 months, CT scan showed further progression on the primary spot, but other areas have strunk. I am new to this wonderful site. Do you take calls outside Europe and US?

[Hidden in reply to Hopeforbest]

Hi there,

Unfortunately calls outside of the UK are not free of charge.

Where are you from?

There maybe drugs that are licensed in your country and not here, and Vice versa, but you are best to speak to the Health professionals form your Oncology team.

Best wishes,

Beth.