Side-effects of long-term administration of erlotinib in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
BACKGROUND
Currently, the inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase erlotinib is widely used for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Patients with a mutation or deletion in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene will benefit most and are likely to receive the drug for long periods and willing to accept side effects if responding.


METHODS
Twenty-two cases with prolonged administration of erlotinib (at least 6 months) and side effects are reported. Three cases with specific side effects are described in detail.


RESULTS
In addition to the well-known side effects such as folliculitis and diarrhea, patients reported paronychia, fatigue, and hair changes.


CONCLUSIONS
After prolonged administration of erlotinib in most patients, the initial side effects persist while other inconvenient ones may develop. This may lead to dose reductions or even cessation of treatment.
Becker
Annemarie
A
Department of Pulmonary Diseases, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. a.becker@vumc.nl
van Wijk
Atie
A
Smit
Egbert F
EF
Postmus
Pieter E
PE
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D000328:Adult; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D005221:Fatigue / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D005499:Folliculitis / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D010304:Paronychia / Q000139:chemically induced; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D066246:ErbB Receptors