Long-term survival of advanced lung adenocarcinoma by maintenance chemotherapy followed by EGFR-TKI: A case report

RATIONALE: The incidence of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is high. Most nonsmall cell lung cancers have undergone multiple metastases at the time of initial diagnosis, and the 5 year survival rate is low. At present, comprehensive treatments, including systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, antiangiogenic therapy, and immunotherapy, prolong the survival of patients with advanced NSCLC. Herein, we report a case of NSCLC with long-term survival. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 61-year-old woman complained of dry cough and shortness of breath and visited our hospital in July 2011. Imaging examination revealed a left upper lung mass with multiple metastases to the liver, adrenal gland, and bone. DIAGNOSES: Stage IVB (cT2aN3M1c) lung adenocarcinoma was diagnosed, with multiple metastases of the lymph nodes, liver, adrenal gland, and bone. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: The patient received systemic chemotherapy and epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor-targeted therapy, and has survived for more than 9 years. LESSONS: The patient benefited from maintenance chemotherapy and epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment and achieved long-term survival.