Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026

The Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Model of Perinatal Ischemia
Published on: November 19, 2008
Apatinib-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy
Abstract:
Apatinib is an orally administered small-molecule vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 inhibitor that has demonstrated encouraging anticancer activity across a broad range of malignancies, including gastric cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. We report a case of probable apatinib-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy in a 69-year-old male. The patient received apatinib as targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma and presented with acute confusion and hypersomnolence after four days of medication initiation. He showed improvement on drug withdrawal; then he resumed apatinib with a half dose and had a recurrence. Possible underlying mechanisms that include direct neuronal effect and antiangiogenic properties are discussed. We would like to draw attention to the potential risk of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy even with a low dosage. Clinicians should be aware of any unexplained neurological syndrome after the initiation of apatinib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Insights
Apatinib, a cancer drug, may cause hyperammonemic encephalopathy, a brain condition. This risk exists even at low doses, requiring clinical awareness for patients on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Apatinib is a small-molecule inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2.
- It shows anticancer activity in various malignancies like hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a serious neurological condition.
Related Concept Videos
Induced-fit Model
Enzymes exhibit substrate specificity, meaning that they can only bind to certain substrates. This is mainly determined by the shape and chemical...
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Somatic...
Spontaneous and Induced Mutations
Induced Electric Dipoles
Since the absolute value of potential energy holds no physical meaning, its zero value can be chosen as per...
Induced Electric Fields

