International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 16, Issue 7s, 2026

Calcified Miliary Brain Metastases in Afatinib-Treated EGFR-Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma

Iqi Siti Rizkiah1,2, Robiah Al Adawiyah1,2, Djohan Ardiansyah1,2

1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia

2Department of Neurology, Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia

Corresponding author*
Djohan Ardiansyah, dr., Sp.N, Subsp. N-Onk(K)
Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga/ Department of Neurology, Dr Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Jalan Prof. Dr. Moestapo No. 6-8, Surabaya, Indonesia 60286
Email: djo1706@yahoo.co.id


ABSTRACT

Background: Calcified miliary brain metastasis represents an exceedingly rare manifestation of intracranial spread, characterized by diffuse micronodular involvement of perivascular spaces.

Case presentation: We reported a 49-year-old male with EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma who developed progressive cognitive and motor deterioration after one year of Afatinib therapy. Initial MRI showed multiple hyperintense lesions throughout the cerebral and cerebellar parenchyma. Follow-up computed tomography five months later revealed numerous diffusely distributed calcified nodules involving the cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, and midbrain, consistent with progressive calcified miliary metastases.

Conclusion: This case illustrates an uncommon radiologic evolution of miliary metastasis during EGFR–tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Calcification likely reflects a complex interplay of treatment-related necrosis, hypoxic microenvironments, metabolic derangements, and clonal tumor resistance. Awareness of this pattern is critical when evaluating new neurological deficits in patients receiving targeted therapy.

Keywords: Lung adenocarcinoma; EGFR mutation; Brain metastasis; Calcified metastasis; Miliary pattern; Afatinib.

How to cite this article: Rizkiah IS, Al Adawiyah R, Ardiansyah D. Calcified Miliary Brain Metastases in Afatinib-Treated EGFR-Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(7s): 609-612; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.7s.64

Source of support: Nil.

Conflict of interest: None