Gefitinib for non-small cell lung cancer patients with liver cirrhosis

Abstract

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), such as gefitinib or erlotinib, is mainly metabolized in liver. To date, the safety data on administrating EGFR-TKI to patients with liver dysfunction is quite limited. Here, we administered gefitinib to two adenocarcinoma patients with liver cirrhosis, and one patient with EGFR gene mutation in exon 21 achieved long stable disease (SD) without any toxicity. Pharmacokinetic data of alternate days administration in these patients were similar to those of daily administration in patients with normal liver function. Although further studies are needed, a reduced dose of gefitinib might be feasible for patients with liver dysfunction.