[Gefitinib treatment for carcinomatous meningitis in non-small cell lung cancer].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Carcinomatous meningitis is a major complication in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Despite treatment with radiotherapy alone or in combination with intrathecal and systemic chemotherapy, its prognosis remains poor.

OBSERVATION:

We report a case of a female non-smoker with adenocarcinoma with bronchoalveolar features presenting with carcinomatous meningitis three years after the diagnosis of her primary tumour. Gefitinib treatment was proposed because of the persistence of meningitic symptoms despite cranial irradiation. Clinical response was observed within 3 weeks and lasted for 9 months.

CONCLUSION:

Gefitinib may be effective in treating carcinomatous meningitis complicating NSCLC and should be considered in this situation given the absence of effective alternatives.

• Authors: K Chouahnia, J-M Brechot, G Des-Guetz, P Saintigny, J-F Morere, J-L Breau
• Journal: Revue des maladies respiratoires (Rev Mal Respir) Vol. 23 Issue 2 Pt 1 Pg. 149-51 (Apr 2006) ISSN: 0761-8425 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Géfitinib et méningite carcinomateuse d'un carcinome bronchique non à petites cellules (CBNPC).
• PMID: 16788439 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Neoplasm Proteins
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors
• Quinazolines
• Vinblastine
• Carboplatin
• ErbB Receptors
• Paclitaxel
• Cisplatin
• Vinorelbine
• Gefitinib

Topics

• Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar (drug therapy, pathology, radiotherapy)
• Antineoplastic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Carboplatin (administration & dosage)
• Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung (drug therapy, pathology, radiotherapy)
• Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
• Cisplatin (administration & dosage)
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Cranial Irradiation
• ErbB Receptors (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Female
• Gefitinib
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology, surgery)
• Meningitis (drug therapy, radiotherapy)
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasm Proteins (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Paclitaxel (administration & dosage)
• Palliative Care
• Pneumonectomy
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Quinazolines (therapeutic use)
• Vinblastine (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives)
• Vinorelbine