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Effect of gefitinib on brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer
Noriyuki Nishi1, Shozo Kawai, Taiji Yonezawa
1Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Japan. nishitoku@aol.com
Abstract:
Two patients with non-small cell lung cancer presented with multiple brain metastases. They received gefitinib orally for the treatment of the primary lung lesions. About one month later, the brain metastases unexpectedly disappeared or became smaller. The patients survived without recurrence of brain metastases and growth of lung lesions for 3-4 years. Gefitinib is a selective epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor and is approved for use in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Gefitinib may be very effective for multiple brain metastases in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Insights
Gefitinib, a targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer, showed surprising effectiveness against brain metastases in two patients. These patients experienced complete resolution or shrinkage of brain tumors, surviving for years without recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) frequently metastasizes to the brain.
- Limited effective treatment options exist for multiple brain metastases in NSCLC.
Observation:
- Two NSCLC patients with multiple brain metastases received oral gefitinib for primary lung lesions.
- Unexpectedly, brain metastases regressed significantly within one month of treatment.
Findings:
- Gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, led to complete disappearance or shrinkage of brain metastases.
- Patients remained disease-free for 3-4 years, indicating durable response.
Implications:
- Gefitinib demonstrates potential as a highly effective treatment for brain metastases in NSCLC.
- This finding warrants further investigation into gefitinib's role in managing NSCLC brain metastases.
