Background: Lenvatinib has become an important treatment option for advanced thyroid cancer. Fistula and tumor-related bleeding are life-threatening adverse effects that are triggered by tumor shrinkage. The aim of this study was to evaluate basic parameters, such as time and tumor shrinkage level, and analyze patient characteristics that might be related to onset of complications.
Patients and methods: A retrospective study of 16 patients who received lenvatinib for thyroid cancer treatment was performed.
Results: Fistula was observed in two patients (12.5%), while tumor-related bleeding was observed in one (6.3%). Complications were found to appear at 10.4 weeks from initiation and with tumor decrease of 19.2%. Risk factors for complications were identified as anaplastic histological type, tumor invasion, and leukocytopenia induced by lenvatinib.
Conclusion: Individual dose adjustment is needed with respect to these features in order to manage severe adverse effects induced by lenvatinib.
Keywords: Fistula; angiogenesis inhibitor; bleeding; lenvatinib; thyroid cancer.
Copyright© 2019, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.