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Capecitabine-induced pancreatitis.
Kellie L Jones1, Vicente Valero
1University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. kljones@mdanderson.org
Pharmacotherapy
|August 19, 2003
Summary
This case report details a patient who developed acute pancreatitis during capecitabine treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Clinicians should monitor for this rare but serious adverse effect, especially in at-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Capecitabine is an oral chemotherapy agent commonly used for metastatic breast cancer.
- While many chemotherapeutic agents are known to cause pancreatitis, capecitabine-induced pancreatitis has not been previously reported.
- Patients with metastatic breast cancer often have comorbidities that may increase their risk for pancreatitis.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer developed acute pancreatitis while receiving an escalated dose of capecitabine (2500 mg/m2/day).
- Symptoms included abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, hand-foot syndrome, and mucositis.
- Elevated liver function tests, lipase, and amylase levels were noted, with a normal abdominal ultrasound.
Findings:
- The patient's pancreatitis resolved with conservative management, including bowel rest and intravenous hydration.
- This case represents the first documented instance of capecitabine-induced acute pancreatitis.
- Laboratory markers of pancreatitis and liver function normalized after treatment cessation and supportive care.
Implications:
- Oncologists and healthcare providers should consider capecitabine as a potential cause of acute pancreatitis.
- Awareness of this potential adverse effect is crucial, particularly in patients with pre-existing risk factors for pancreatitis.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the mechanism and incidence of capecitabine-induced pancreatitis.