Erlotinib therapy in a patient with non-small-cell lung cancer and brain metastases

J Neurooncol. 2008 Oct;90(1):31-3. doi: 10.1007/s11060-008-9623-4. Epub 2008 Jun 20.

Abstract

Brain metastases are a common occurrence and a major cause of mortality in non-small-cell lung cancer, with few systemic treatment options. Although targeting epidermal growth factor receptor-associated tyrosine kinase with erlotinib and gefitinib results in durable responses in some patients, the activity of these drugs against brain metastases has been poorly documented. In particular, few reports have so far reported the activity of erlotinib in this setting. Here we report the case of a male Italian smoker with an adeno-carcinoma of the lung whose lung cancer and brain metastases have both responded to erlotinib.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / secondary
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quinazolines / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Quinazolines
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride