Erlotinib achieved partial response in a non-small cell lung cancer patient with gefitinib-induced interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) induced by epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), such as gefitinib and erlotinib, is a rare but fatal complication of TKI treatment. Transfer to chemotherapy or continuation with TKI of reduced dose are alternative treatment strategies. We report a case of severe ILD in a non-small cell lung cancer patient treated with gefitinib. She experienced partial response with restarted low-dose EGFR-TKI erlotinib and corticosteroid treatment.