Recurrent gefitinib-induced interstitial lung disease

Intern Med. 2008;47(6):533-6. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.47.0737. Epub 2008 Mar 17.

Abstract

Gefitinib, the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is effective for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. However, a serious adverse effect, interstitial lung disease (ILD), has been reported. The re-administration of gefitinib might be considered when there is no other choice of treatment and a therapeutic effect can be expected; however, there is no published data on the safety of restarting gefitinib after its discontinuation in cases suspected of having gefitinib-induced ILD. We report a case with recurrent gefitinib-induced ILD, which suggests that re-administration of gefitinib should be considered cautiously in patients who have previously developed gefitinib-induced ILD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy
  • Gefitinib
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / chemically induced*
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / diagnosis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quinazolines / adverse effects*
  • Quinazolines / therapeutic use
  • Recurrence
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Quinazolines
  • Gefitinib