title: High-dose, pulsatile erlotinib in two NSCLC patients with leptomeningeal metastases--one with a remarkable thoracic response as well.
abstract: A considerable number of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) develop leptomeningeal metastases. Leptomeningeal metastases are associated with deterioration of clinical symptoms and poor survival. Traditionally, treatment of metastases in the central nervous system consists of radiotherapy and less frequently, surgery. The role of systemic therapy is limited due to the blood-brain barrier inhibiting pharmacological doses to be reached in the central nervous system. Several case reports have described high-dose, pulsatile tyrosine kinase inhibitors as an effective treatment of leptomeningeal metastases, based on the hypothesis that higher concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid can be reached by higher systemic concentrations. Here, we describe two patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer, with both clinical and radiological response to this high-dose, pulsatile regimen. Interestingly, one patient showed a remarkable response of intrathoracic response as well.
authors: Department of Pulmonary Diseases, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. jl.kuiper@vumc.nl
authors: J L
authors: JL
authors: Kuiper
authors: E F
authors: EF
authors: Smit
mesh_terms: D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D055756:Meningeal Carcinomatosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000556:secondary; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013896:Thoracic Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; C512478:EGFR protein, human; D066246:ErbB Receptors