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Erlotinib in second-line therapy for non-small cell lung cancer - A clinical case
Alexandra Araújo1, Marta Soares2, Isabel Azevedo2
1Interna de Oncologia Médica, Instituto Português de Oncologia Francisco Gentil - Centro Regional de Oncologia do Porto, EPE.
Abstract:
the epidermal growth-factor receptor (EGFR) and its signaling pathway have become a major target for therapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). After the BR.21 study showed its effectiveness and its tolerability in older patients, erlotinib, a specific EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitor, has been approved for NSCLC therapy after failure of treatment with at least one line of chemotherapy (CT). The authors present the case of a 63 years-old female patient, with a history of angina pectoris, who was diagnosed with a lung adenocarcinoma. Because of poor tolerance to first-line CT, she had second-line treatment with erlotinib. There was a good response to therapy, along with symptomatic improvement. Adverse effects were light to moderate, well tolerated, and required no dose reduction. Rev Port Pneumol 2008; XIV (Supl 3): S17-S22.
Insights
Erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, shows effectiveness and tolerability in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in older patients. This case study highlights its positive response and manageable side effects in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is a key therapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- Erlotinib, an EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitor, is approved for NSCLC post-chemotherapy failure, demonstrating efficacy and tolerability in elderly populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case study of a 63-year-old female patient with lung adenocarcinoma receiving second-line erlotinib treatment.
- To evaluate the response and tolerability of erlotinib in a patient with poor tolerance to first-line chemotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 63-year-old female diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma.
- Second-line treatment with erlotinib following intolerance to first-line chemotherapy.
- Monitoring of therapeutic response and adverse effects.
Main Results:
- The patient exhibited a good response to erlotinib therapy.
- Symptomatic improvement was observed.
- Adverse effects were mild to moderate and well-tolerated, without requiring dose reduction.
Conclusions:
- Erlotinib is an effective second-line treatment option for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with poor tolerance to chemotherapy.
- The drug demonstrates a favorable safety profile with manageable side effects in this patient population.
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