Erlotinib eradicates brain metastases from epidermal growth factor receptor mutant non-small cell lung cancer

Siavash Jabbari; Michael Pins; Kimberly Kruczek; Chadi Nabhan

doi:10.4103/2231-0770.90916

Avicenna Journal of Medicine, Table of Contents

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Avicenna J Med 2011; 01(02): 52-54
DOI: 10.4103/2231-0770.90916

CASE REPORT

Erlotinib eradicates brain metastases from epidermal growth factor receptor mutant non-small cell lung cancer

Authors

Siavash Jabbari

Department of Radiation Oncology, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, USA
Michael Pins

Department of Pathology, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, USA
Kimberly Kruczek

Department of Medicine, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, USA
Chadi Nabhan

Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, USA

Abstract

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Abstract

Erlotinib is active in patients with lung cancer; especially those who demonstrate a mutation in exons 18-21 in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. Patients with lung cancer and brain metastases have poor prognosis as systemic chemotherapy is ineffective in treating the central nervous system (CNS) metastases due to its inability to cross the blood brain barrier. Herein, we report a case of a 61 year old female who presented with stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lung with bilateral cerebral and cerebellar CNS involvement. The patient′s tumor harbored a mutation in exon 19 in the EGFR gene. Treatment with erlotinib was started as soon as the molecular studies were available with remarkable and complete radiographic response in the CNS disease, and complete resolution of the previously detected metastases. The patient did not receive any other CNS intervention and radiation was not given due to the lack of CNS symptoms.

Keywords

Brain metastasis - Erlotinib - lung cancer - tarceva

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References

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