title: Erlotinib and brain metastases.
abstract: We report two cases of brain metastases in context of non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). After having progressed to chemotherapy they received erlotinib 150mg/m2 orally daily, with complete response of brain metastasis and partial response of thoracic lesions. Brain metastases are both prevalent and a major cause of mortality in NSCLC, with few systemic treatment options. Median survival after whole brain radiotherapy is 4-6 months and the role of systemic therapy for brain metastases is limited with the most drugs use to stage IV disease ineffective in this setting. This case demonstrates that brain metastases may be sensitive to erlotinib and give to us growing body of evidence that EGFR-associated tyrosine kinase inhibition is a feasible strategy in the management of NSCLC patients with brain metastases We propose further study into the continued use of this drug in the situation where there is a differential response. Rev Port Pneumol 2008; XIV (Supl 3): S35-S42.
authors.affiliation: Serviço de Pneumologia. Centro Hospitalar de Coimbra.
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Barata
authors.affiliation: Serviço de Pneumologia. Centro Hospitalar de Coimbra.
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.affiliation: Serviço de Pneumologia. Centro Hospitalar de Coimbra.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Figueiredo
keywords: Erlotinib; brain metastasis; cancro do pulmão; lung cancer; metástase cerebral