Gemcitabine-Induced Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Lung Cancer: A Case Report

Gemcitabine is a broad-spectrum anti-metabolite drug that is widely used in the therapy of numerous advanced cancers such as pancreatic, breast, ovary, lung, and bladder cancer. Gemcitabine has been reported to cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), but the underlying mechanism is not elucidated. The outcome of gemcitabine-induced HUS is often poor and associated with high mortality. We present a case report of a patient who was on chemotherapy for lung cancer and presented with the concerns of decreased urine output and shortness of breath. He was investigated and found to have HUS. He was managed with plasmapheresis, which resulted in partial recovery. This case report describes HUS caused by gemcitabine in patients with lung carcinoma and the management implemented and also aims to highlight the importance of early and timely recognition and treatment to improve clinical outcomes in these patients.