Therapeutic approaches to brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ) include corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In recent years, molecular targeted therapy such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has become a new option. This article discussed the roles of surgery, brain radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy , and other new directions in the treatment of patients with brain metastases from NSCLC.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare acute life-threatening mucocutaneous disorder that is mostly drug-related (80%-95%). It is clinically characterized as a widespread sloughing of the skin and mucosa. AP regimen (pemetrexed plus cisplatin) has been the preferred first-line chemotherapy for metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Gefitinib, a small-molecule epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has already been recommended as a first-line treatment in EGFR-mutant metastatic NSCLC. We report rare presentation of TEN involving adverse effects of AP and gefitinib combination treatment in a 42-year-old woman diagnosed with metastatic NSCLC harboring an EGFR mutation. On the 21st day after administration of the first cycle of AP regimen and the 8th day after the initiation of gefitinib treatment, she developed an acne-like rash, oral ulcer, and conjunctivitis, which later became blisters and ultimately denuded. The characteristic clinical courses were decisive for the diagnosis of TEN. Treatment with systemic steroids and immunoglobulin as well as supportive treatment led to an improvement of her general condition and a remarkable recovery.
Adult ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Glutamates ; administration & dosage ; Guanine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Pemetrexed ; Quinazolines ; administration & dosage ; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome ; etiology