Prompt control of bronchorrhea in patients with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma treated with gefitinib (Iressa).
Bronchorrhea is a condition in which voluminous sputum is produced daily, typically seen with bronchioloalveolar cell carcinoma (BAC). Unless the underlying cancer can be controlled, bronchorrhea causes substantial symptomatic distress. We report two cases of bronchorrhea associated with advanced BAC successfully treated with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, gefitinib. Prompt resolution of these patients' bronchorrhea, dyspnea, and supplemental oxygen requirements are detailed. Given the limited success of alternative interventions, a trial of gefitinib should be considered for patients with bronchorrhea secondary to BAC.
Milton
Daniel T
DT
Division of Thoracic Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the Weil Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
Kris
Mark G
MG
Gomez
Jorge E
JE
Feinstein
Marc B
MB
D002282:Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D005260:Female; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013183:Sputum / Q000378:metabolism*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000077156:Gefitinib