Etoposide-induced hepatic injury: a potential complication of high-dose therapy

Two cases of toxic hepatitis developing in patients receiving high-dose etoposide (VP-16-213) for refractory germinal neoplasms are described. Each patient received a total cumulative dose of at least 6800 mg/m2. Liver function abnormalities, including hyperbilirubinemia, elevated transaminases, and elevated alkaline phosphatase, became clinically apparent approximately 3 weeks following the last dose of VP-16-213. These abnormalities resolved spontaneously without sequelae over 12 weeks. High-dose VP-16-213 may be associated with hepatic injury.