Tacrolimus on Kimura's disease: a case report

Abstract

Objective: We report preliminary results of an ongoing study that assesses the efficacy of tacrolimus on Kimura's disease (KD).

Study design: A patient with refractory KD after surgery and treatment with prednisone was treated with tacrolimus. Tacrolimus (FK-506) was administered at an initial dosage of 1 mg every 12 hours, and FK-506 concentration in the blood was monitored monthly. FK-506 blood concentration was controlled within 5 to 15 μg/L. After 6 months, the dosage of tacrolimus was reduced to 0.5 mg daily for another 2 months and then treatment was stopped.

Results: Swelling of the bilateral salivary glands disappeared within the first week. No serious side effects were noted and the disease has not recurred in the 2 years of follow-up.

Conclusions: Tacrolimus may be an effective treatment for patients with KD, but more research is needed to determine its long-term efficacy and safety as well as its mechanism of action.