Apatinib plus chemotherapy is associated with an improved tumor response, survival and tolerance compared with chemotherapy alone for advanced lung adenocarcinoma treatment

Apatinib plus chemotherapy demonstrates good efficacy in multiple advanced carcinomas; however, its use in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has not yet been assessed. The present study evaluated the potential benefits of apatinib plus chemotherapy in patients with advanced LUAD. A total of 145 patients with advanced LUAD and negative driver genes who received apatinib plus chemotherapy (n=65) or chemotherapy alone (n=80) were analyzed. The overall response rate was significantly improved by apatinib plus chemotherapy vs. chemotherapy alone (53.8 vs. 36.3%; P=0.034). Moreover, progression‑free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in patients who received apatinib plus chemotherapy, compared with those who received chemotherapy alone [median (95% CI), 13.4 months (11.5‑15.3) vs. 8.2 months (6.9‑9.5); P0.05). In conclusion, apatinib plus chemotherapy is associated with an improved treatment response and survival compared with chemotherapy alone, with a tolerable safety profile in patients with advanced LUAD.