Alectinib Induced Regression of Renal and Hepatic Cysts Caused by Crizotinib

Development of crizotinib-associated renal cyst in a non-small cell lung cancer patient with ALK fusion: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Crizotinib, an oral first-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is superior to systemic chemotherapy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with positive rearrangement of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). However, an increased incidence of renal and hepatic cysts has been reported in the patients on crizotinib treatment.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here, we describe a case of a 71-year-old Chinese women developed multiple cystic lesions in kidney and liver during crizotinib treatment for the primary and metastatic NSCLC. The renal and hepatic cysts were noted by CT scan 3 months after crizotinib treatment, which were spontaneously and significantly regressed after stopping crizotinib.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on literature review and our experience in this case report, we concluded that crizotinib-associated renal cyst (CARCs) has features of malignancy and abscess in radiographic imaging, and thus, pathological confirmation is necessary to avoid inappropriate treatment decision. In addition, to benefit the patients with progress-free survival (PFS), switching from crizotinib to alectinib is recommended for the treatment of NSCLC patients who developed CARCs.

Crizotinib-associated Renal Cyst Formation in a Pediatric Patient With ALK+ Epithelioid Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Crizotinib is a first-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive cancers. Simple and complex renal cyst formation is a rare complication of crizotinib use that has been reported previously in the adult population.

CASE

We report a case of a right renal mass in a 17-year-old with ALK-positive epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma treated with Crizotinib. After cessation of Crizotinib and initiating Alectenib, a second generation ALK inhibitor, the mass decreased in size and the patient remained asymptomatic without evidence of recurrence at three months of follow-up.