Gefitinib in patients with advanced refractory small cell lung cancer contemporaneous with superior vena cava syndrome

Objective:To evaluate the effect and toxicity of gefitinib in the patients with advanced refractory small cell lung cancer.Methods:Gefitinib was administered orally at 250～500mg/d.The objective response,quality of life,clinical signs and symptoms were observed with WHO criteria.Results:The patient with advanced refractory small cell lung cancer contemporaneous with superior vena cava syndrome,who failed prior chemotherapy,high dose CTX,dehydration and diuresis.Clinical signs and symptom release were seen with gefitinib repeated,while cancer size was stable.No adverse event was seen during the gefitinib therapy.Conclusion:Gefitinib will probably become an effective drug in patients with advanced refractory small cell lung cancer.It is worthy of extensive clinical research.