Cetuximab-induced aseptic meningitis: case report and review of a rare adverse event. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maritaz, Christophe; Metz, Carole; Baba-Hamed, Nabil; Jardin-Szucs, Méryam; Deplanque, Gaël
• Is Part Of: BMC cancer. Volume 16:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 5
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Cetuximab -- Aseptic meningitis -- Cancer; Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.994005
• DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2434-7
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-2407

Abstract

Abstract Background Cetuximab is a commonly used antibody agent in the treatment of colorectal or head and neck cancer. Although it is generally well tolerated in most patients, cetuximab has been associated with some rare but serious adverse events. Aseptic meningitis is one such distinctly uncommon adverse drug reaction. Case presentation We present the case of a middle-aged Caucasian patient, who presented with fever and headache within a few hours of starting cetuximab therapy and was diagnosed with cetuximab-induced aseptic meningitis after a complete workup. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the ninth case of cetuximab-induced aseptic meningitis reported in literature. Because of a nonspecific clinical presentation, this adverse drug reaction can be easily misdiagnosed. It is important to increase awareness of this potentially severe reaction among oncologists.