Tepotinib-Induced Cholangitis in a Patient With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report

Yoshimasa Hachisu1, Kojiro Yoshida1, Yuki Hosino1

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine Maebashi Red Cross Hospital Maebashi Japan.

Respirology Case Reports
|November 13, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Tepotinib, a MET inhibitor for lung cancer, may cause cholangitis, a rare bile duct inflammation. Careful liver monitoring is crucial, especially in patients with existing liver conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Hepatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Tepotinib is a MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor for non-small cell lung cancer with MET exon 14 skipping mutations.
  • Hepatotoxicity is a known side effect of tepotinib, but drug-induced cholangitis has not been previously reported.
  • Primary biliary cholangitis is a chronic liver disease affecting bile ducts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a novel case of tepotinib-induced cholangitis.
  • To emphasize the importance of monitoring hepatobiliary function during tepotinib treatment.
  • To highlight potential risks in patients with pre-existing liver conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 77-year-old woman with primary biliary cholangitis treated with tepotinib.
  • Clinical monitoring of abdominal pain and hepatobiliary enzyme levels.
  • Diagnostic evaluation including imaging and histological examination.

Main Results:

  • The patient developed symptoms consistent with cholangitis during tepotinib therapy.
  • Imaging and histology showed findings similar to sclerosing cholangitis.
  • Hepatobiliary enzyme levels normalized after discontinuing tepotinib.

Conclusions:

  • Tepotinib may induce cholangitis, a previously unreported adverse event.
  • Close monitoring of liver function is essential for patients receiving tepotinib.
  • Caution is advised when prescribing MET inhibitors to patients with underlying liver diseases like primary biliary cholangitis.