Pleural effusion in a patient with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor treated with imatinib: case report. (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bongiovanni, Alberto; Ricci, Marianna; Riva, Nada; Calpona, Sebastiano; Oboldi, Devil; Pieri, Federica; Cavaliere, Davide; Mercatali, Laura; Liverani, Chiara; La Manna, Federico; De Vita, Alessandro; Foca, Flavia; Gunelli, Erica; Amadori, Dino; Ibrahim, Toni
• Is Part Of: Future oncology. Volume 10:Number 15(2014)
• Page Start: 2423
• Page End: 2427
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: gastrointestinal stromal tumor -- imatinib -- metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor -- pleural effusion -- toxicity; Oncology -- Periodicals; 616.99405
• DOI: 10.2217/fon.14.159
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-6694

Abstract

ABSTRACT : Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are rare malignancies characterized by c-kit and PDGFR-α mutations targeted by imatinib. Pleural effusion is a very rare side effect of imatinib treatment. A 65-year-old female with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor developed electrolyte imbalance, severe peripheral edema and progressively worsening dyspnea 2 months after starting imatinib. Having excluded cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders, imatinib was discontinued and prednisone 25 mg orally daily was begun. The patient's condition improved substantially over the next 48 h with a progressive decrease in dyspnea and a reduction in pleural effusion and peripheral edema. All side effects had resolved within 1 month. In view of the partial response obtained, the patient re-started imatinib after a 1-week interruption. Prednisone was maintained and there was no further toxicity.