Drug‑induced interstitial lung disease caused by gefitinib in the treatment of non‑small cell lung cancer: A case report
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- Published online on: September 10, 2025 https://doi.org/10.3892/mco.2025.2894
- Article Number: 99
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Copyright: © Liu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.
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Abstract
Gefitinib, a first‑generation epidermal growth factor receptor‑tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‑TKI), is widely used in treating non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations. Although effective, gefitinib is associated with rare but life‑threatening interstitial lung disease (ILD). In the present study, a 68‑year‑old male with stage IIIB lung adenocarcinoma was reported, who developed acute interstitial pneumonia 20 days after initiating gefitinib therapy. The patient presented with high fever (41˚C), dyspnea and hypoxemia. Chest CT revealed bilateral diffuse interstitial infiltrates and pleural effusion. After excluding infectious and cardiac etiologies, gefitinib‑induced ILD was diagnosed. Immediate discontinuation of gefitinib, combined with high‑dose glucocorticoids (methylprednisolone 80 mg/day) and oxygen therapy, led to clinical improvement. However, ILD recurred upon rechallenge with the original gefitinib dose. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and prompt management of EGFR‑TKI‑related ILD. The challenges of rechallenging EGFR‑TKIs post‑recovery was further discussed and the need for personalized risk‑benefit assessments was emphasized.
