Aortic dissection during antiangiogenic therapy with sunitinib. A case report

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Sunitinib is an antiangiogenic drug targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) approved for metastatic renal cancer.
• Common side effects include hypertension and heart failure, but rare associations with acute aortic dissection exist.

Observation:

• A case report details a 68-year-old man with metastatic renal carcinoma who developed acute aortic dissection during sunitinib therapy.
• The patient had no prior history of hypertension or other aortic dissection risk factors.

Findings:

• Sunitinib was withdrawn, an aortic endoprosthesis was placed, and the patient received antihypertensive drugs and temsirolimus (an mTOR inhibitor).
• This case highlights a rare but severe cardiovascular adverse event associated with sunitinib therapy.

Implications:

• Clinicians must be aware of severe cardiovascular events beyond hypertension during antiangiogenic therapy.
• Close monitoring of arterial pressure and early detection of adverse events are essential for patients receiving sunitinib.