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Efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor targeting in advanced chordoma: case report and literature review
Simon G Launay1, Bruno Chetaille, Fanny Medina
1Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 232 bd Ste-Marguerite, Marseille, 13009, France.
Background:
Chordomas are very rare low-grade malignant bone tumors that arise from the embryonic rests of the notochord. They are characterized by slow growth and long history with frequent local relapses, and sometimes metastases. While chemotherapy is not efficient, imatinib has shown antitumor activity.
Case Presentation:
We report on a 76-year-old patient with EGFR-overexpressing advanced chordoma that progressed on imatinib and subsequently responded to erlotinib during 12 months.
Conclusions:
We report the fourth case of advanced chordoma treated with an EGFR inhibitor. We also review the literature concerning the rationale and potential of EGFR targeting in chordoma.
Insights
Advanced chordoma, a rare bone cancer, may respond to EGFR inhibitors like erlotinib after imatinib resistance. This case highlights a potential new treatment avenue for this challenging diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Skeletal Tumors
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
Background:
- Chordomas are rare, low-grade malignant bone tumors originating from notochordal remnants.
- These tumors exhibit slow growth, frequent local recurrence, and potential metastasis.
- Standard chemotherapy is largely ineffective, though imatinib shows some antitumor activity.
Observation:
- A 76-year-old patient with advanced, EGFR-overexpressing chordoma experienced disease progression on imatinib therapy.
- The patient subsequently received erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor.
Findings:
- The patient demonstrated a positive response to erlotinib, with treatment continuing for 12 months.
- This represents the fourth reported case of advanced chordoma treated with an EGFR inhibitor.
Implications:
- EGFR inhibitors show potential as a therapeutic strategy for advanced chordoma, particularly in cases resistant to imatinib.
- Further investigation into EGFR targeting in chordoma is warranted, given the limited treatment options.
