Related Experiment Videos
Hepatotoxicity associated with cisplatin chemotherapy
1Bouve College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115.
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|April 1, 1993
Summary
This case report suggests cisplatin chemotherapy may cause liver damage (hepatotoxicity). Antiemetic drugs like metoclopramide and ondansetron might also contribute to elevated liver enzymes during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapy agent for various cancers.
- Hepatotoxicity is a potential, though less common, side effect of cisplatin treatment.
- Understanding drug-induced liver injury is crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old male patient undergoing cisplatin and fluorouracil chemotherapy for head and neck cancer developed elevated liver enzymes.
- Liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH) increased during chemotherapy cycles but normalized between cycles.
- The patient received metoclopramide and ondansetron as antiemetic therapy.
Findings:
- A potential association between cisplatin administration and transient hepatotoxicity was observed.
- The timing of enzyme elevations suggests a link to chemotherapy cycles.
- The role of antiemetic medications (metoclopramide, ondansetron) in exacerbating liver enzyme levels is considered.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of monitoring liver function in patients receiving cisplatin.
- Further investigation into the potential hepatotoxic effects of antiemetic drugs used with chemotherapy is warranted.
- Clinicians should consider drug-induced liver injury when evaluating abnormal liver enzymes in cancer patients.