Central neurotoxicity induced by trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1): a case report

Anticancer Drugs. 2021 Nov 1;32(10):1146-1149. doi: 10.1097/CAD.0000000000001117.

Abstract

Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) - targeted antibody-drug conjugate that is approved for patients previously treated with trastuzumab and a taxane for Her2-positive advanced breast cancer and those who have progressed within 6 months of completion of adjuvant chemotherapy, as well as for patients with residual invasive Her2-positive disease after the completion of adjuvant chemotherapy. Peripheral neuropathy is a common adverse event; however, ocular events have also been described. With the current report we present the case of a 67-year old woman who developed transient grade 2-3 blurred vision after the first T-DM1 infusion, which was complicated with grade 2 diplopia causing vertigo after the second infusion. After extended investigation, this symptomatology was attributed to central neurotoxicity, and gradually resolved after T-DM1 discontinuation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine / adverse effects*
  • Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Diplopia / chemically induced
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics
  • Vision Disorders / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • ERBB2 protein, human
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine