Response to gefitinib in bronchioloalveolar carcinoma in the absence of EGFR mutation

Lung Cancer. 2005 Nov;50(2):259-63. doi: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2005.05.015. Epub 2005 Jul 11.

Abstract

Mutations in the tyrosine kinase (TK) domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in non-small cell lung cancers are associated with increased sensitivity of these cancers to drugs that inhibit EGFR kinase activity such as gefitinib and erlotinib. Responses to TK inhibitors in the absence of EGFR gene mutation for BAC patients have not been reported. A case of a patient with BAC refractory to chemotherapy who responded to gefitinib in the absence of EGFR gene mutations is reported. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors may have a role in BAC in the absence of EGFR gene mutations. Additional studies on other molecular alterations of the EGFR family members are needed to better predict response to these agents.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar / drug therapy*
  • Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar / genetics
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gefitinib
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
  • Quinazolines / pharmacology
  • Quinazolines / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Quinazolines
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Gefitinib