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Estrogen replacement in female lung cancer during gefitinib therapy
Ping-Huai Wang1, Hao-Chien Wang, Chien-Chen Tsai
1Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Estrogen receptor (ER) has been detected in some specimens of lung cancer. Estrogen has an effect on the growth of lung cancer cell lines. An inverse relationship between ER and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) was reported in pre-clinical data. A 70-year-old female with lung adenocarcinoma, who achieved a partial response by gefitinib, underwent estrogen replacement for menopause-associated symptoms during gefinitib therapy. Lung nodules enlarged with 1-month estrogen use and regressed 6 weeks after the end of estrogen therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first case report regarding the interaction between estrogen and EGFR inhibitors.
Insights
Estrogen receptor (ER) presence in lung cancer is noted. Estrogen therapy worsened lung nodules in a patient on an EGFR inhibitor, suggesting a potential interaction.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Estrogen receptor (ER) is found in some lung cancer tissues.
- Estrogen influences lung cancer cell line growth.
- Pre-clinical studies suggest an inverse relationship between ER and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of potential interaction between estrogen therapy and EGFR inhibitors in lung adenocarcinoma.
- To investigate the clinical effect of estrogen on lung cancer growth during EGFR inhibitor treatment.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 70-year-old female with lung adenocarcinoma.
- Patient received gefitinib (EGFR inhibitor) and concurrent estrogen replacement therapy.
- Observed changes in lung nodules during and after estrogen therapy.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced partial response to gefitinib.
- Lung nodules enlarged after 1 month of estrogen use.
- Lung nodules regressed 6 weeks after discontinuing estrogen therapy.
Conclusions:
- This case suggests estrogen may negatively impact lung adenocarcinoma growth during EGFR inhibitor therapy.
- Highlights a potential clinical interaction between estrogen and EGFR inhibitors.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the ER-EGFR pathway in lung cancer treatment.
