Gefitinib-induced intestinal obstruction in advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma: A case report

Yi-Chen Liang1, Gang Wu1, Jing Cheng1

  • 1Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China.

Oncology Letters
|December 2, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Gefitinib effectively treated a patient

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Gefitinib is an EGFR inhibitor for advanced NSCLC with EGFR mutations.
  • Common side effects include skin reactions, diarrhea, nausea, and elevated liver enzymes.
  • Gastrointestinal adverse events are known but typically less severe.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of gefitinib-induced intestinal obstruction.
  • To highlight the importance of monitoring for severe gastrointestinal symptoms during gefitinib treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a patient treated with gefitinib for advanced neoplasms.
  • Detailed observation and management of the patient's gastrointestinal symptoms.

Main Results:

  • The patient with primary and metastatic neoplasms was successfully treated with gefitinib.
  • A previously unreported case of gefitinib-induced intestinal obstruction occurred.
  • The patient's condition was managed, and treatment continued.

Conclusions:

  • Gefitinib-induced intestinal obstruction is a rare but serious adverse event.
  • Vigilant monitoring of gastrointestinal symptoms is crucial for patients receiving gefitinib.
  • This case expands the known adverse event profile of gefitinib in NSCLC treatment.