Dramatic response to erlotinib for advanced lung adenocarcinoma: A case report

We report two non-smoker Iranian patients presenting with massive pleural effusion and multiple lung nodules and diagnosed lung adenocarcinoma. Patients received oral erlotinib 150mg/day.Within three months of medication, both patients showed complete clinical and radiologic response. This response was maintained for 2 years in first patient and continued for 9 months, the time of this report, in the second case. Erlotinib was well tolerated.Nevertheless grade 2-3 rash and grade 1 diarrhea were the only significant toxicities. Both of the patients was able to conduct daily activities throughout their erlotinib therapy. A subgroup of patients with lung adnocarcinoma who have never been smoker may be good candidates for Therapy with erlotinib as first line