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Calciphylaxis Cutis Associated With Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) Inhibitor Therapy: A New Challenge
Paige Griffith1, Jaroslaw Jedrych2, Joel Sunshine2
1The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
Abstract:
Specific fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors have been developed to treat malignancies harboring fusions or rearrangements in FGFR2 or FGFR3. Here, we report a case of calciphylaxis cutis in association with FGFR inhibitor therapy in a patient with FGFR2 rearranged cholangiocarcinoma. Although calciphylaxis cutis typically arises in the setting of hyperphosphatemia and end-stage renal disease, this patient had preserved renal function, normal serum calcium, and only modestly elevated serum phosphorus levels, which is similar to other recent reports of calciphylaxis in patients receiving FGFR inhibitor therapy. Calciphylaxis cutis is a possible adverse event observed with FGFR inhibitor therapy, and the mechanism of calciphylaxis cutis in association with FGFR inhibitor therapy warrants further investigation.
Insights
Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors treat certain cancers. This report details a rare calciphylaxis cutis adverse event in a patient on FGFR inhibitor therapy, even with normal kidney function.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors target malignancies with FGFR2 or FGFR3 fusions/rearrangements.
- Cholangiocarcinoma is a malignancy that can harbor FGFR alterations.
Observation:
- A case of calciphylaxis cutis is reported in a patient with FGFR2-rearranged cholangiocarcinoma undergoing FGFR inhibitor therapy.
- The patient presented with preserved renal function, normal calcium, and mildly elevated phosphorus levels.
Findings:
- Calciphylaxis cutis occurred despite the absence of typical risk factors like end-stage renal disease and severe hyperphosphatemia.
- This presentation aligns with other recent reports of calciphylaxis in patients receiving FGFR inhibitor therapy.
Implications:
- Calciphylaxis cutis is a potential adverse event associated with FGFR inhibitor treatment.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism linking FGFR inhibitor therapy to calciphylaxis cutis.
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