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 l50mg/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.conclusion: a subgroup of patients with lung adnocarcinoma who have never been smoker may be good candidates for therapy with erlotinib as first line.