Unexpected side effect in mCRC: A care-compliant case report of regorafenib-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy. Issue 16 (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Quirino, Michela; Rossi, Sabrina; Schinzari, Giovanni; Basso, Michele; Strippoli, Antonia; Cassano, Alessandra; Barone, Carlo
• Other Names: Bush. Eric section editor.
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 96:Issue 16(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: case report -- hyperammonemic encephalopathy -- regorafenib -- TKI; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Geneeskunde; Medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000006522
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-7974

Abstract

Abstract: Rationale: Regorafenib represents a treatment option in heavily pretreated patients affected by metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Its safety profile is typical of small-molecule tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and most adverse events are manageable. Patient concerns: A 56 years-old Caucasian man affected by mCRC with normal hepatic reserve was treated with regorafenib as second-line treatment. After only 2 days of therapy, the patient presented to the emergency department due to impairment of both spatial and temporal orientation and motor function with bradylalia. Interventions: Serum ammonia level was 191 mmol/L, liver function tests and complete blood count were normal. Regorafenib was withheld and branched chain amino acids and lactulose were administered. Outcomes: Serum ammonia level returned within the normal range, but when regorafenib was restarted at a lower dose level, a new episode of acute confusion arised. Main lesson: Discontinuation of regorafenib after confirmation of hyperammonemia is strongly recommended; reintroduction of the therapy at lower doses after resolution of symptoms related to hyperammonemic encephalopathy has to be discouraged.