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Lapatinib-induced hepatitis: a case report

Stavros Peroukides1, Thomas Makatsoris, Angelos Koutras

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Patras, 26500 Rio, Patras, Greece. panio@upatras.gr

World Journal of Gastroenterology
|June 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Lapatinib, a HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer drug, can cause acute liver injury. Discontinuation of lapatinib led to recovery, indicating it should be recognized as a cause of drug-induced hepatitis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Hepatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Lapatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting HER2 and EGFR1, used for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
  • Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant concern in cancer treatment.

Observation:

  • A 60-year-old patient with metastatic breast cancer developed jaundice and elevated liver enzymes after 14 days of lapatinib treatment.
  • Other causes of acute liver injury were ruled out through laboratory tests.

Findings:

  • Liver biopsy confirmed drug-induced hepatotoxicity consistent with lapatinib use.
  • Bilirubin and aminotransferase levels normalized within three months after discontinuing lapatinib.

Implications:

  • Lapatinib should be considered a potential cause of drug-induced hepatitis.
  • Clinicians should monitor liver function closely in patients receiving lapatinib.
  • This case highlights the importance of recognizing lapatinib-associated hepatotoxicity in clinical practice.
Keywords:
Breast cancerHepatitisHepatotoxicityHuman epidermal growth factor receptor type 2Lapatinib

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