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Unexpected outcome (positive or negative) including adverse drug reactions
Case report
Vemurafenib-induced pancreatitis in a patient with recurrent hairy cell leukaemia
  1. Su Yun Chung1,2,
  2. Janice Gloria Shen1,2 and
  3. Cristina M Ghiuzeli1,2
  1. 1Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
  2. 2Northwell Cancer Institute, Hematology/Medical Oncology, Monter Cancer Center, Lake Success, New York, USA
  1. Correspondence to Dr Cristina M Ghiuzeli; CGhiuzeli{at}northwell.edu

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib, are effective in inducing long periods of remission in relapsed hairy cell leukaemia. Acute pancreatitis is one of the rare complications that is reported with vemurafenib use. As severe pancreatitis can be life threatening, physicians should be vigilant of this side effect and promptly treat patients that develop clinical signs and symptoms while receiving vemurafenib. We present an interesting case of vemurafenib-induced pancreatitis that not only resolved but also did not recur after reintroduction of the drug at a reduced dose.

  • haematology (drugs and medicines)
  • malignant and benign haematology
  • pancreatitis
  • safety
  • unwanted effects / adverse reactions

https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2020-236073

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    Footnotes

    • Contributors CMG provided the main conceptual ideas and outline of this case report. SYC and JGS worked out almost all of the technical details. SYC designed and worked on the figures. All authors equally contributed in writing this manuscript.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Patient consent for publication Obtained.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.