Response to erlotinib in recurrent glioblastoma multiforme showing coexpression of EGFRvIII and PTEN

Clin Transl Oncol. 2010 Apr;12(4):310-4. doi: 10.1007/s12094-010-0510-z.

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumour in adults and remains incurable despite multimodal intensive treatment regimens. We present a patient with a recurrent glioblastoma who showed coexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor mutant variant III (EGFRvIII) and the tumour-suppressor protein PTEN. She was treated with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib for four months, achieving a partial response with improvement of neurologic symptoms. A review of the pertinent literature supporting the future use of therapies against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in highgrade gliomas is also provided.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Brain Neoplasms / genetics
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • ErbB Receptors / biosynthesis*
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • Female
  • Glioblastoma / drug therapy*
  • Glioblastoma / genetics
  • Glioblastoma / metabolism
  • Goiter, Nodular / complications
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / genetics
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / metabolism
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / biosynthesis*
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / genetics
  • Quinazolines / therapeutic use*
  • Radiotherapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Quinazolines
  • epidermal growth factor receptor VIII
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • ErbB Receptors
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase
  • PTEN protein, human