Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026

A Combined 3D Tissue Engineered In Vitro/In Silico Lung Tumor Model for Predicting Drug Effectiveness in Specific Mutational Backgrounds
Published on: April 6, 2016
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.
Abstract:
Gefitinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, which is used to treat patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations. Dermatological reactions are the most common adverse events associated with gefitinib treatment; other adverse effects, including diarrhea, nausea, stomatitis and an asymptomatic elevation of liver enzymes have also been reported. The present study describes a patient with intestinal obstruction who was successfully undergoing treatment with gefitinib for primary and metastatic neoplasms. Gefitinib-induced intestinal obstruction has not been previously reported; therefore, careful monitoring of gastrointestinal symptoms should be conducted throughout the course of gefitinib-treated malignancies.
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.
More Related Videos
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
09:38Establishing 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