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

Onkologie. 2010;33(8-9):466-9. doi: 10.1159/000319109. Epub 2010 Jul 27.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

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

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Quinazolines
  • Gefitinib