Erlotinib and gefitinib treatments of the lung cancer in an elderly patient result in gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract

Lung cancer is currently one of the leading causes of the cancer-related deaths in the world. Erlotinib and Gefitinib are inhibitors of human epidermal growth factor receptor-1 and the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase. The most common adverse events for erlotinib and gefitinib were mild to moderate skin toxicity (rash, itching, and dry skin), gastrointestinal reactions (diarrhea and nausea), and fatigue. Erlotinib induced gastrointestinal bleeding is rare, and dose-related. We are reporting a lung cancer patient who received erlotinib and gefitinib. The patient was sensitive to drug and tumor growth was inhibited. However, adverse reactions appeared as drug treatment continued, including gastrointestinal bleeding.