Combination methotrexate and gefitinib: A potential medical treatment for inoperable nontubal ectopic pregnancy

Abstract

Nontubal ectopic pregnancies present as a therapeutic challenge. A 35-year-old primigravida at 7 weeks gestation had a live interstitial ectopic pregnancy and contraindications to surgery. The patient was treated with a multidose methotrexate regimen combined with oral gefitinib (250 mg daily for 7 days). The peak human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) of the patient was recorded at 19 510 IU/L and began declining from day 4 of combination therapy (day 6 of initial treatment). Successful resolution of the ectopic was demonstrated by cessation of the fetal heart by day 15 and hCG falling to 23 IU/L by day 42. A 10-year review of all nontubal ectopic pregnancies treated with methotrexate identifie..