Successful empirical erlotinib treatment of a mechanically ventilated patient newly diagnosed with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma

Lung Cancer. 2014 Oct;86(1):102-4. doi: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2014.07.010. Epub 2014 Jul 24.

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is the most common solid tumor in critically ill cancer patients who are admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). An ICU trial consists of unlimited ICU support for a limited time period.

Case report: We present the case of a 60-year-old woman with newly diagnosed metastatic lung adenocarcinoma who required mechanical ventilation due to respiratory failure. Empirical erlotinib treatment was administered through a nasogastric feeding tube as part of an ICU trial, which led to a dramatic and durable response.

Conclusion: Empirical erlotinib should be considered when epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are suspected in ICU newly diagnosed patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Keywords: Critically ill patient; EGFR mutation; Erlotinib; Intensive care unit; Mechanical ventilation; Nasogastric tube; Non-small-cell lung cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Adenocarcinoma of Lung
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Quinazolines / therapeutic use*
  • Respiration, Artificial
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Quinazolines
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride