Delayed Gemcitabine-Induced Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare neurological condition.
• It is increasingly recognized in medical oncology and hematology settings.
• Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy agent used for various cancers.

Observation:

• A 60-year-old female with breast cancer developed PRES.
• Symptoms included vision loss and seizures, occurring one month after gemcitabine treatment.
• PRES was diagnosed after extensive workup, with improvement after medication withdrawal.

Findings:

• This case suggests gemcitabine monotherapy can directly cause PRES.
• PRES onset was delayed, occurring significantly later than typically reported.
• This challenges the presumed timeframe for gemcitabine-induced PRES.

Implications:

• Highlights the potential for delayed PRES with gemcitabine monotherapy.
• Suggests increased vigilance for PRES in patients receiving gemcitabine.
• Warrants further investigation into the mechanisms and timing of gemcitabine-induced PRES.