Prompt control of bronchorrhea in patients with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma treated with gefitinib (Iressa).

Abstract

Bronchorrhea is a condition in which voluminous sputum is produced daily, typically seen with bronchioloalveolar cell carcinoma (BAC). Unless the underlying cancer can be controlled, bronchorrhea causes substantial symptomatic distress. We report two cases of bronchorrhea associated with advanced BAC successfully treated with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, gefitinib. Prompt resolution of these patients' bronchorrhea, dyspnea, and supplemental oxygen requirements are detailed. Given the limited success of alternative interventions, a trial of gefitinib should be considered for patients with bronchorrhea secondary to BAC.

• Authors: Daniel T Milton, Mark G Kris, Jorge E Gomez, Marc B Feinstein
• Journal: Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (Support Care Cancer) Vol. 13 Issue 1 Pg. 70-2 (Jan 2005) ISSN: 0941-4355 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 15558327 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors
• Quinazolines
• ErbB Receptors
• Gefitinib

Topics

• Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Aged
• Antineoplastic Agents (therapeutic use)
• ErbB Receptors (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Female
• Gefitinib
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Quinazolines (therapeutic use)
• Sputum (metabolism)