Acute myocardial infarction following erlotinib treatment for NSCLC: A case report

Abstract

Erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is an oral targeted anticancer drug that is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Previous studies have confirmed that erlotinib is safe and is well-tolerated by patients. The most common adverse reactions observed following erlotinib treatment include a rash and mild diarrhea. In the current study, the first case of acute myocardial infarction following one month of treatment with erlotinib in a 63-year-old male NSCLC patient is presented. The present study highlights the importance of clinicians remaining cautious following erlotinib administration. In elderly NSCLC patients and those with a history of coronary heart disease, cardiac function must be carefully monitored following erlotinib treatment so that serious adverse reactions, such as myocardial infarction, may be identified early and treated quickly.