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Updated: May 26, 2026
11:06
Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
Published on: January 31, 2022
Temozolomide induced liver injury
Sanjay Dixit1, Mohan Hingorani, Ponnambath Afzal
1Castle Hill Hospital, Hull, UK. sanjay.dixit@hey.nhs.uk
Acta Neurologica Belgica
|December 7, 2011
Summary
Temozolomide (TMZ) can cause severe liver injury, presenting as cholestasis, in Glioblastoma patients. This case highlights a rare instance of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) from TMZ, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GB) is a primary brain tumor often treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
- Temozolomide (TMZ) is a common chemotherapeutic agent used in GB treatment.
- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a potential adverse effect of various medications.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old female patient with GB developed severe liver dysfunction during radiotherapy with daily TMZ.
- Histopathology revealed acute cholestasis and focal parenchymal inflammation, with no other identifiable cause.
- The patient experienced grade three hepatic failure requiring prolonged hospitalization and slow liver function recovery.
Findings:
- This case represents a potential instance of Temozolomide-induced liver injury (TMZ-DILI), characterized by cholestasis.
- The observed liver injury pattern differs from Dacarbazine-induced veno-occlusive liver damage.
- The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) probability scale indicated a probable grade (Scale 7) for TMZ-DILI.
Implications:
- This case underscores the rare but serious hepatotoxicity associated with Temozolomide.
- Clinicians should consider TMZ-DILI in patients presenting with unexplained liver enzyme elevation during treatment.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and incidence of TMZ-induced liver injury.
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