Three Cases of Primary Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma with Mutation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Gene that Responded to Gefitinib

Abstract

Case 1 : Adenocarcinoma of the lung, stage IA, was diagnosed in a 66-year-old man without smoking history. Though the tumor was removed by right middle lobectomy, the metastatic tumors were recurred in the right lower lobe. Gefitinib was administered after EGFR mutation was found in the primary tumor. The tumor almost disappeared after 2 months of administration. Case 2 : Adenocarcinoma of the lung, stage IV, was diagnosed in a 73-year-old woman without smoking history. Though the systemic chemotherapy was performed, tumor was not reduced at all. Gefitinib was administered after EGFR mutation was found in the tumor specimen from transbronchial lung biopsy. The primary tumor shrank, and metastatic and disseminated tumors disappeared after 1 month of administration. Case 3 : Adenocarcinoma of the lung, stage IV, was diagnosed in a 51-year-old man with smoking history. Though the systemic chemotherapy was performed, tumor was not markedly reduced and progressed again. Gefitinib was administered after EGFR mutation was found in the tumor obtained from CT-guided precutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy. Gefinitib was stopped after 3 weeks due to interstitial pneumonitis. However, metastatic tumors in the mediastinal lymph nodes shrank.