Sunitinib-induced Acute Psychosis: Case Report.
Kunene V, Porfiri E.
SourceUniversity Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2 TH, United Kingdom.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Sunitinib is an oral multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor which has shown efficacy in advanced renal cell carcinoma and represents a standard first line treatment for this disease. Sunitinib is reasonably well tolerated, although dose adjustments are commonly required. Here we present a case of a patient with metastatic renal cancer and history of bipolar disorder who developed acute psychotic symptoms during treatment with Sunitinib.
METHODS: Both the outpatient and inpatient documentation in the medical records of the patient were reviewed.
RESULTS: The patient developed symptoms of psychosis 3 days after hospital admission for sunitinib-related toxicity. Investigations excluded infection and brain metastases as potential causes for the symptoms. Acute psychosis did not respond to antipsychotic medication. Symptoms resolved with discontinuation of sunitinib.
CONCLUSION: The rare but potentially severe side effects of sunitinib should be borne in mind particularly in those patients with pre-existing medical conditions which could predispose them to life-threatening toxicities. Clinicians should stratify patients accordingly and consider alternative treatments where possible.