Transformation of epidermal growth factor receptor mutated lung adenocarcinoma to small-cell carcinoma long after the cessation of tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment: A case series and literature review

• Published in: Respiratory medicine case reports Vol. 51; p. 102076
• Main Authors: Miyamoto, Kenya, Ogino, Hirokazu, Kakimoto, Takumi, Matsumura, Yugo, Haji, Keiko, Mitsuhashi, Atsushi, Morita, Yutaka, Tsukazaki, Yuki, Yabuki, Yohei, Ozaki, Ryohiko, Yoneda, Hiroto, Sato, Seidai, Hanibuchi, Masaki, Bando, Yoshimi, Nokihara, Hiroshi, Nishioka, Yasuhiko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-01-2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: Acquired resistance; Case Report; Epidermal growth factor receptor; Non-small-cell lung cancer; Small-cell lung cancer transformation; Tyrosine kinase inhibitors; Non-small-cell lung cancer; Acquired resistance; Epidermal growth factor receptor; Tyrosine kinase inhibitors; Small-cell lung cancer transformation
• ISSN: 2213-0071; 2213-0071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2024.102076

Histological transformation to small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a well-known mechanism of acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), and almost all patients receive EGFR-TKIs at the time of transformation. We herein report three cases of EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma that transformed into SCLC long after the cessation of EGFR-TKIs. Rapid tumor progression and elevated SCLC marker levels were observed at the time of transformation. Our case highlights the importance of considering SCLC transformation throughout the clinical course. Careful observation of the tumor behavior and SCLC markers should be performed to avoid diagnostic delays.