Bangkok: Starting December 1, lung cancer patients are now able to use “Erlotinib-Gefitinib” as their first-line treatment. This development is aimed at controlling the disease for nine months to one year, particularly in cases involving mutations that accelerate cancer growth.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ayrin Phanrit, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced that the Comptroller General’s Department has revised its reimbursement criteria for cancer and hematology patients requiring costly medications. This revision extends the eligibility for metastatic lung cancer patients to use Erlotinib or Gefitinib as their first-line treatment for costs incurred from December 1, 2025, onwards.
The drug targets stage 4 lung cancer patients with the EGFR mutation, a genetic change commonly found in Thais. Erlotinib or Gefitinib helps manage the disease without the immediate need for chemotherapy. The Comptroller General’s Department has also adjusted drug dispensing criteria, requiring doctors to closely monitor patients’ symptoms during the initial treatment phase.
Ms. Airin further explained that patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer sensitive to this class of drugs should start with Erlotinib. If medical conditions prevent its use or severe side effects occur, Gefitinib will be administered instead. Reimbursement will cover medication costs for the first three months and subsequent months to ensure patients receive the most suitable and effective treatment.
The EGFR mutation is prevalent in about 50% of Thai patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Targeted therapy with Erlotinib or Gefitinib, both listed on the National List of Essential Medicines, is available under all health insurance schemes, including the National Health Security Office (Gold Card), Social Security, and Civil Servant Medical Benefits schemes.
These targeted drugs inhibit mutations that speed up cancer growth, leading to tumor shrinkage and prolonged disease control, thus increasing the 5-year survival rate. While not a cure, untreated stage 4 lung cancer patients typically survive about three months. Targeted therapy can help some achieve disease control for nine months to a year, and if drug resistance occurs, chemotherapy or alternate targeted drugs can further extend disease control.