Anticancer Agent Gefitinib and Congenital Anomalies

We report the  first case of multiple anomalies associated with antenatal exposure to the anticancer agent Gefitinib. The patient conceived while she was on tablet Gefitinib 250 mg once a day for stage IV adenocarcinoma of lungs. The first scan done at 29 weeks 2 days showed liquor amnii on the upper limit of normal, single umbilical artery, left sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia, ventriculoseptal defect and left radial ray defect. The patient had a preterm delivery after one week and she refused autopsy. It is important to advise patients regarding contraception while undergoing chemotherapy as there is an increased risk of drug induced fetal malformations.
Source: Journal of Fetal Medicine - Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Source Type: research