Temozolomide is a risk factor for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: A case report and literature review

Temozolomide is an oral alkylating agent incorporated in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) that can lead to lymphopenia. The standard treatment of GBM involves temozolomide chemotherapy with radiation, often with addition of corticosteroids for symptomatic management of cerebral edema. Some studies have reported an increased risk of opportunistic infections.

A 72-year-old man receiving Temozolomide for treatment of newly diagnosed GBM associated with radiotherapy and corticosteroids was admitted in an intensive care unit because a rapid deterioration of consciousness associated with acute respiratory failure. The diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) was made. The patient was successfully treated with voriconazole alone.

This case shows that Temozolomide can be associated with severe invasive aspergillosis, which is in all likelihood associated with T lymphocyte immune dysfunction. Physicians should be aware of possible opportunistic infections when managing patients with glioblastoma, and patients exposed to this agent should be carefully monitored.