Erlotinib in advanced well-differentiated thymic carcinoma with overexpression of EGFR: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
Advanced chemorefractory epithelial thymic tumors are still a challenge in clinical oncology. A therapeutic approach targeting a key molecular pathway could be the ideal solution in a neoplasm that can overexpress epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the epithelial component.


METHODS
A patient with metastatic heavily pretreated thymic carcinoma was evaluated for EGFR expression in the primary tumor.


RESULTS
Strong EGFR expression was revealed by immunohistochemistry. The patient received erlotinib therapy but had obtained no response after four months of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary experience suggests that erlotinib may not be a useful therapeutic choice in advanced pretreated thymic carcinomas.
Pedersini
Rebecca
R
Division of Medical Oncology, Central Hospital, Bolzano, Italy. rebecca.pedersini@asbz.it
Vattemi
Emanuela
E
Lusso
Maria Rita
MR
Mazzoleni
Guido
G
Ebner
Heinrich
H
Graiff
Claudio
C
D000328:Adult; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000556:secondary; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013945:Thymoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013953:Thymus Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; C512478:EGFR protein, human; D066246:ErbB Receptors