Restoration of gefitinib efficacy following chemotherapy in a patient with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
BACKGROUND
Gefitinib has shown evidence of antitumor activity in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).


METHODS
A female Asian nonsmoker with adenocarcinoma was given gefitinib as first-line treatment with significant efficacy. However, after approximately 1.5 years, progression occurred. She then received chemotherapy (pemetrexed/carboplatin) until progression, followed by treatment with gefitinib to which the patient responded a second time. After progression, treatment with chemotherapy (docetaxel/cisplatin) was instituted and again followed by gefitinib. A recent positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan showed complete remission under gefitinib.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report indicates that resistance to gefitinib in NSCLC can be reversed after chemotherapy. Thus, re-exposure to gefitinib may be justified in selected cases.
Li
Xiao-Dong
XD
Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
Geng
Yi-Ting
YT
Wu
Chang-Ping
CP
Shen
Hua
H
Sun
Jing
J
Shu
Yong-Qian
YQ
Yin
Yong-Mei
YM
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary*; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011799:Quinazolines; D000077156:Gefitinib