Gefitinib, a first
epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor has been reported to be effective in
chemotherapy-resistant
non-small cell lung cancer.
Gefitinib was also reported, however, to produce severe adverse effects, such as
interstitial lung disease. Thus, clinical evaluation of
gefitinib is still controversial and further studies are needed. We present 3 cases of
non-small cell lung cancer (stage IV adeno-
carcinoma) that showed recurrence after successful
gefitinib treatment. Symptoms of all patients ameliorated in a week after the
therapy, and radiograph and laboratory data improved. However, all showed recurrence in 3 to 7 months. After recurrence, patient 1 was re-treated with
gefitinib at the request of the patient. Patient 2 has been on
gefitinib. Patient 3 was treated with
gefitinib, which was later replaced by another
chemotherapy agent. After recurrence, however, no effective response was obtained in any of the 3 cases. There have been several reports of good response to
gefitinib therapy at the first time in patients with advanced
non-small cell lung cancer, but few reports of recurrence in patients after successful therapy with this agent. This report is thought to be important for the clinical evaluation of
gefitinib and useful in terms of information about the resistance of
gefitinib.