Restoration of gefitinib efficacy following chemotherapy in a patient with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Gefitinib has shown evidence of antitumor activity in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

CASE REPORT:

A female Asian nonsmoker with adenocarcinoma was given gefitinib as first-line treatment with significant efficacy. However, after approximately 1.5 years, progression occurred. She then received chemotherapy (pemetrexed/carboplatin) until progression, followed by treatment with gefitinib to which the patient responded a second time. After progression, treatment with chemotherapy (docetaxel/cisplatin) was instituted and again followed by gefitinib. A recent positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan showed complete remission under gefitinib.

CONCLUSIONS:

This case report indicates that resistance to gefitinib in NSCLC can be reversed after chemotherapy. Thus, re-exposure to gefitinib may be justified in selected cases.

• Authors: Xiao-Dong Li, Yi-Ting Geng, Chang-Ping Wu, Hua Shen, Jing Sun, Yong-Qian Shu, Yong-Mei Yin
• Journal: Onkologie (Onkologie) Vol. 33 Issue 8-9 Pg. 466-9 ( 2010) ISSN: 1423-0240 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 20838064 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Quinazolines
• Gefitinib

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (administration & dosage)
• Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung (drug therapy, secondary)
• Drug Resistance, Neoplasm (drug effects)
• Female
• Gefitinib
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (drug therapy, secondary)
• Middle Aged
• Quinazolines (administration & dosage)
• Treatment Outcome