Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
Establishing Dual Resistance to EGFR-TKI and MET-TKI in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells In Vitro with a 2-step Dose-escalation Procedure
Published on: August 11, 2017
Gefitinib-induced hepatotoxicity in patients treated for non-small cell lung cancer
Jing Chen1, Runxia Gu, Qiong Wang
1Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Background:
Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are widely used in the management of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), gefitinib-induced hepatotoxicity has been underappreciated and rarely reported.
Case Report:
The medical records of 92 NSCLC patients, who were admitted to our cancer center in the past 5 years, were reviewed retrospectively. All patients received treatment with gefitinib (250 mg/day), during which liver function was monitored. Of the 92 NSCLC patients, 6 (6.5%) developed mild to moderate hepatotoxicity during gefitinib treatment. The time of onset of hepatotoxicity ranged from 7 days to 6 months after gefitinib administration. 1 patient (1.1%) suffered from grade 2 hepatotoxicity, and gradually recovered her normal liver function after reduction of the gefitinib dose. The other 5 patients with grade 1 hepatic impairment tolerated gefitinib well without requiring dose reductions or drug cessation.
Conclusion:
Gefitinib-induced hepatotoxicity is not uncommon. Although the extent of this toxicity is generally mild in nature and most patients tolerate gefitinib well, meticulous monitoring is mandatory to avoid severe hepatic impairment.
Insights
Gefitinib, a common treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), can cause liver damage (hepatotoxicity) in some patients. While typically mild, regular liver function monitoring is essential during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are standard for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- Gefitinib-induced hepatotoxicity is an underreported adverse effect.
- This study investigates the incidence and characteristics of gefitinib-induced liver injury in NSCLC patients.
Observation:
- A retrospective review of 92 NSCLC patients treated with gefitinib (250 mg/day) was conducted.
- Six patients (6.5%) developed mild to moderate hepatotoxicity.
- Hepatotoxicity onset ranged from 7 days to 6 months, with one case of grade 2 and five of grade 1 hepatic impairment.
Findings:
- Gefitinib-induced hepatotoxicity occurred in 6.5% of NSCLC patients.
- The majority of cases presented with mild hepatic impairment (grade 1).
- One patient with grade 2 hepatotoxicity recovered after dose reduction, while others tolerated gefitinib well.
Implications:
- Hepatotoxicity from gefitinib is not rare in NSCLC management.
- Close liver function monitoring is crucial during gefitinib therapy.
- Early detection and management can prevent severe hepatic impairment, allowing continued gefitinib treatment.
More Related Videos
09:32Drug-Induced Senescence in Liver Cells Promotes M2 Macrophage Polarization: Implications for Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Associated Hepatotoxicity
Published on: October 17, 2025
09:38Establishment and Characterization of Three Afatinib-resistant Lung Adenocarcinoma PC-9 Cell Lines Developed with Increasing Doses of Afatinib
Published on: June 26, 2019
