Perforation of the colon by invading recurrent gastrointestinal stromal tumors during sunitinib treatment

Detrimental impact of gastric acid suppressants on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors efficacy: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis evaluated the prevalence of gastric acid suppressants (GASs) in patients receiving vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs) and explored drug-drug interactions (DDIs).

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched upto 20 October 2024. Studies comparing VEGFR-TKIs monotherapy versus VEGFR-TKIs with GASs, reporting pharmacodynamic (PD), pharmacokinetic (PK), or adverse events (AEs), were analyzed using random-effects models. Subgroups included cancer types and VEGFR-TKI types.

RESULTS

24 studies comprising 6,406 patients were included. The prevalence of GASs use in VEGFR-TKIs users was 40% (95% CI 31-50%). GASs significantly impaired survival, increasing mortality risk by 29% (OS HR 1.29,95% CI 1.14-1.45) and progression risk by 31% (PFS HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.06-1.61). PK analyses revealed clinically meaningful exposure reductions (AUC0-24GMR 0.78, 90% CI 0.65-0.94; Cmax GMR 0.80, 90% CI 0.70-0.91). AE incidence (except vomiting) did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

GASs may reduce the efficacy of most types of VEGFR-TKIs by decreasing their bioavailability, thereby having a detrimental effect on patient survival outcomes. It is recommended to give priority to H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and monitor blood drug concentrations to optimize efficacy.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero identifier CRD42024597729.

Acute abdomen due to a perforated giant GIST of the small intestine evolving slowly for 6 years: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms, comprising less than 1 % of gastrointestinal tumors. Arising from interstitial cells of Cajal, GISTs are frequently found in the stomach and small intestine. Typically asymptomatic, GISTs can occasionally present as acute abdominal emergencies, including hemorrhage, obstruction, or perforation. This report presents a case of spontaneous perforation of a large ileal GIST, leading to peritonitis.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 82-year-old man arrived at the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Physical examination showed abdominal tenderness and distension, and laboratory findings indicated elevated inflammatory markers. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a 15 cm mass in the lower right abdomen, with free fluid and extraluminal air suggesting perforation. Emergency laparotomy confirmed a perforated tumor, with purulent peritonitis. Surgical resection of the affected ileum and cecum was performed, followed by anastomosis and enterostomy. Histopathology confirmed a high-risk GIST, and the patient recovered well post-operatively, subsequently beginning adjuvant imatinib therapy.

DISCUSSION

GISTs commonly remain asymptomatic until complications arise. Peritonitis due to tumor perforation is rare and necessitates prompt surgical intervention. Surgical resection remains the standard treatment for localized GISTs, with adjuvant imatinib recommended for high-risk cases. CT imaging is critical for diagnosis and surgical planning.

CONCLUSION

While GIST perforation leading to peritonitis is rare, it requires urgent surgery. High-risk GIST patients benefit from adjuvant imatinib and should undergo long-term follow-up. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for complex GIST presentations and associated complications.

A case report: Peritonitis secondary to perforated locally advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms predominantly affecting the gastrointestinal tract. While they often remain asymptomatic, GISTs can lead to acute abdominal emergencies, such as peritonitis secondary to tumor perforation, a rare yet serious complication. Here, we present a unique case of a locally advanced ileal gastrointestinal stromal tumor complicated by generalized purulent peritonitis, emphasizing the diagnostic and management challenges associated with this condition.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 68-year-old male presented with worsening abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and weight loss. Imaging studies revealed a large solid-cystic mass originating from the terminal ileum, prompting emergency surgery. Intraoperative findings included a multilobulated tumor mass invading the mesocolon, necessitating hemicolectomy. Histopathological analysis confirmed a high-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumor, leading to initiation of adjuvant therapy with imatinib mesylate.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

GISTs often present with nonspecific symptoms, posing diagnostic challenges. Peritonitis secondary to tumor perforation is a rare yet critical complication requiring prompt surgical intervention. Complete resection remains the mainstay of treatment, with adjuvant imatinib therapy showing promise in high-risk cases.

CONCLUSION

This case report sheds light on the complexities of diagnosing and managing locally advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) complicated by peritonitis. Complete tumor resection is crucial for potential cure, with adjuvant therapy using imatinib showing promise, especially in high-risk cases. Thorough diagnostic assessment, timely intervention, and comprehensive follow-up are essential for optimizing outcomes in complex GIST presentations.

Adverse effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in cancer therapy: pathophysiology, mechanisms and clinical management

Since their invention in the early 2000s, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have gained prominence as the most effective pathway-directed anti-cancer agents. TKIs have shown significant utility in the treatment of multiple hematological malignancies and solid tumors, including chronic myelogenous leukemia, non-small cell lung cancers, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and HER2-positive breast cancers. Given their widespread applications, an increasing frequency of TKI-induced adverse effects has been reported. Although TKIs are known to affect multiple organs in the body including the lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, thyroid, blood, and skin, cardiac involvement accounts for some of the most serious complications. The most frequently reported cardiovascular side effects range from hypertension, atrial fibrillation, reduced cardiac function, and heart failure to sudden death. The potential mechanisms of these side effects are unclear, leading to critical knowledge gaps in the development of effective therapy and treatment guidelines. There are limited data to infer the best clinical approaches for the early detection and therapeutic modulation of TKI-induced side effects, and universal consensus regarding various management guidelines is yet to be reached. In this state-of-the-art review, we examine multiple pre-clinical and clinical studies and curate evidence on the pathophysiology, mechanisms, and clinical management of these adverse reactions. We expect that this review will provide researchers and allied healthcare providers with the most up-to-date information on the pathophysiology, natural history, risk stratification, and management of emerging TKI-induced side effects in cancer patients.

Gastropharyngeal Anastomotic Leak in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Following Initiation of a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor: A Case Report of an Unusual Side Effect of Cabozantinib

Background:

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) accounts for 1% to 2% of thyroid cancers in the United States. When identified early, total thyroidectomy is most often curative. However, in advanced disease, more aggressive treatment such as laryngectomy and esophagectomy may be indicated. Postsurgical fistula formation and leak is a potential complication in such cases. These fistulas are most likely to occur at the anastomotic site in cases of laryngectomy or esophagectomy. Concomitant chemotherapy and radiation increase this risk. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) such as Cabozantinib are used as therapy for metastatic MTC. These drugs have previously been associated with dehiscence of anastomotic sites in the gastrointestinal tract. While previously identified in the bowel, this report represents the first documented case of gastropharyngeal anastomosis leak described in the context of TKI use for head and neck cancer.

Case Presentation:

We present the case of a 72-year-old male previously diagnosed with MTC. His gastropharyngeal anastomosis status-post laryngopharyngectomy and gastric pull up had been stable for 23 years. Over the past year, he developed back pain and was found to have spinal metastases of MTC. He was subsequently started on Cabozantinib to slow the progression of the disease. Within months of starting this TKI, a bleeding pharyngocutaneous fistula developed at the anastomosis site of the gastric pull up and pharynx. Upon discontinuation of Cabozantinib, the fistula healed with no further complications.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of gastropharyngeal anastomotic leak related to TKI use. A causal relationship is highly plausible given the previously stable anastomosis and the suspicious advent of complications within months of initiation of this new drug. While previously limited to cases of intraabdominal bowel dehiscence, this report now suggests that wound dehiscence must be considered a known side effect of TKIs throughout the gastrointestinal tract, including the gastropharynx. As such, the risk of anastomotic dehiscence should be discussed with the patient prior to starting a TKI.

Perforated Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Meckel's Diverticulum: a Case Report and Review of Literature

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the GI tract, they have a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, and a small proportion of them present as an acute abdomen due to obstruction, perforation, or hemoperitoneum. We present a case of a perforated GIST of the Meckel's diverticulum and review the current literature on perforated GISTs. We ran a search on Pubmed and Google Scholar with the following terms "perforated GIST," "perforated Meckel's diverticulum," "GIST with peritonitis," and "GIST in Meckel's diverticulum." After selecting the relevant articles, we tabulated our results and analyzed the data. Out of the 45 cases, 32 (71.1 %) were male and 13 (28.8 %) were female. Out of the 45 reported cases, 41 (91.1 %) were from the small intestine, 2 (4.44 %) cases from the stomach, and 2 (4.44 %) from the small bowel. In 15 (33.33 %) cases, the site of perforation was the Meckel's diverticulum (MD). Forty-year-old male, presented with features of peritonitis localized to the right iliac fossa, was diagnosed as acute appendicitis and subjected to a diagnostic laparoscopy. Intraoperatively, a perforated Meckel's diverticulum was found, which on histopathological examination contained a low-grade GIST. Our literature search revealed that in reported cases of perforated GISTs, there is a slight male preponderance. Small bowel appears to be the most common site for a perforated GIST, and a significant proportion (30.23 %) arise from the Meckel's diverticulum. And most importantly, the commonest tumor to cause perforation of a Meckel's diverticulum is a GIST.

Endoscopy in patients with diarrhea during treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors: Is the cause in the mucosa?

BACKGROUND

Diarrhea is a frequently occurring adverse event during treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR TKIs) and is mostly accompanied by abdominal cramps, flatulence and pyrosis. These complaints impair quality of life and lead to dose reductions and treatment interruptions. It is hypothesized that the diarrhea might be due to ischemia in bowel mucosa or inflammation, but the exact underlying pathophysiological mechanism of the diarrhea is still unknown. We aimed at exploring the mechanism for diarrhea in these patients by thorough endoscopic and histological assessment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Endoscopies of the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract in 10 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) who developed diarrhea during treatment with VEGFR TKIs were performed.

RESULTS

Ten patients were included. The results showed endoscopically normal mucosa in the lower GI tract in seven patients without signs of ischemic colitis or inflammation. Gastroduodenoscopy revealed gastro-esophageal reflux disease, bulbitis and/or duodenitis with ulcers in eight patients. In three selected patients with bulbitis/duodenitis additional video capsule endoscopy was performed but revealed no additional intestinal abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

We observed frequent mucosal abnormalities in the upper GI tract in VEGFR TKI-treated mRCC patients with diarrhea. Although these abnormalities provide insufficient explanation for the occurrence of diarrhea, we suggest to perform routine upper GI endoscopy in VEGFR TKI-treated patients with GI complaints.

Prostate Lymphoma Complicated With Prostatorectal Fistula and Multifocal Infection After Chemotherapy

A 67-year-old man with a biopsy proving prostate diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was referred for an F-FDG PET/CT scan for postchemotherapy treatment monitoring. The FDG PET/CT scan revealed a significant reduction of prostate lymphoma and a prostatorectal fistula formation. The patient developed Klebsiella pneumoniae sepsis, and a follow-up FDG PET/CT 3 months later revealed multifocal lung, bone, and muscle infection. The FDG PET/CT scans of this patient not only demonstrated the effectiveness of chemotherapy for prostate lymphoma but also the complications of a prostatorectal fistula and multiple infectious foci.

[A case of pneumatosis intestinalis associated with sunitinib treatment for renal cell carcinoma]

Sunitinib as a multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitor is one of the anti-tumor agents, approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to use treat gastrointestinal stromal tumor and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The agent is known to commonly induce adverse reactions such as fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, stomatitis, esophagitis, hypertension, skin toxicity, reduciton in cardiac output of left ventricle, and hypothyroidism. However, it has been reported to rarely induce adverse reactions such as nephrotic syndrome and irreversible reduction in renal functions, and cases of intestinal perforation or pneumatosis interstinalis as such reactions have been consistently reported. In this report, a 66-year old man showing abdominal pain had renal cell carcinoma and history of sunitinib at a dosage of 50 mg/day on a 4-weeks-on, 2-weeks-off schedule. Seven days after the third cycle he was referred to the hospital because of abdominal pain. Computed tomography showed pneumoperitoneum with linear pneumatosis intestinalis in his small bowel. The patient underwent surgical exploration that confirmed the pneumatosis intestinalis at 100 cm distal to Treitz's ligament. We report a rare case of intestinal perforation with pneumatosis intestinalis after administration of sunitinib to a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Bowel perforation associated sunitinib therapy for recurred gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. Several recent findings that there are activating mutations in the KIT and PDGFRA (platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α) genes of GISTs provide the rationale for using targeted therapies such as imatinib or sunitinib. Sunitinib, an oral multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits kinases such as KIT, PDGFR (platelet-derived growth factor recepter), and VEGFR (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor), was recently approved for the treatment of imatinib-refractory GIST. Sunitinib is generally well tolerated and has an acceptable toxicity profile; an adverse event such as bowel perforation is rare. We present a patient with imatinib-refractory GIST who was successfully treated using sunitinib, but developed bowel perforation. The mechanism involved in bowel perforation associated with sunitinib is unknown. However, we presume that in our patient, the dramatic reduction in disseminated peritoneal metastases and bowel invasion of recurrent GIST during sunitinib treatment might have resulted in the bowel perforation.

Perforation as a rare presentation of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumours: a case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common connective tissue neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, the most common clinical presentation of which is with abdominal pain or gastrointestinal bleeding.

METHODS

We describe a case of a perforated gastric GIST as well as reviewing the relevant published literature.

RESULTS

A 51-year-old woman presented to the acute assessment unit with a 1-day history of severe epigastric pain on a background of longstanding reflux symptoms. Radiological investigation demonstrated a perforated mass in the gastric antrum and the patient subsequently underwent an emergency distal gastrectomy. She recovered well postoperatively and was discharged home. Her condition remains stable six months following surgery. Histological analysis revealed the perforated lesion to be a GIST. A PubMed search suggests that this is the first English report to describe a perforated gastric GIST. Six further published reports (written in English or with an English abstract) describing the presentation of small bowel GISTs with perforation are reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

We present the first English report of a perforated gastric GIST. More common presentations include abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding. Although rare, GISTs should be considered in the differential diagnoses of perforated gastrointestinal masses.

Development of enterohepatic fistula after embolization in ileal gastrointestinal stromal tumor: A case report

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract that has been associated with the formation of fistulas to adjacent organs in few case reports. However, GIST with enterohepatic fistula has not been reported. Here we report the case of an enterohepatic fistula that occurred after embolization of a liver mass originating in the distal ileum. An 87-year-old woman was hospitalized for melena. On initial conventional endoscopy, a bleeding focus in the gastrointestinal tract was not found. Because of massive hematochezia, enteroscopy was performed through the anus. A protruding, ulcerative mass was found in the distal ileum that was suspected to be the source of the bleeding; a biopsy sample was taken. Electrocoagulation was not successful in controlling the bleeding; therefore, embolization was performed. After embolization, the patient developed a high fever and severe abdominal tenderness with rebound tenderness. Follow-up abdominopelvic computed tomography revealed an enterohepatic fistula between the liver and distal ileum. The fistula was treated surgically by segmental resection of the distal ileum and unlooping of the liver mass.

Gastro-pleuro-pericardial fistula following combined radiation and chemotherapy for lung metastases from renal cell carcinoma: report of a case

Gastropleural and gastropericardial fistulas are abnormal communications between the stomach and the pleural cavity or pericardium. They are rare and life-threatening complications, which require prompt surgical intervention. We report the case of a gastro-pleuro-pericardial fistula that developed in a patient treated with radiotherapy and then Sunitinib (Sutent(®)), a novel tyrosine-kinase inhibitor, for lung metastases from renal cell carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a gastro-pleuro-pericardial fistula developing as a consequence of combined radiation and chemotherapy.

Radiotherapy and "new" drugs-new side effects?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Targeted drugs have augmented the cancer treatment armamentarium. Based on the molecular specificity, it was initially believed that these drugs had significantly less side effects. However, currently it is accepted that all of these agents have their specific side effects. Based on the given multimodal approach, special emphasis has to be placed on putative interactions of conventional cytostatic drugs, targeted agents and other modalities. The interaction of targeted drugs with radiation harbours special risks, since the awareness for interactions and even synergistic toxicities is lacking. At present, only limited is data available regarding combinations of targeted drugs and radiotherapy. This review gives an overview on the current knowledge on such combined treatments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the following MESH headings and combinations of these terms pubmed database was searched: Radiotherapy AND cetuximab/trastuzumab/panitumumab/nimotuzumab, bevacizumab, sunitinib/sorafenib/lapatinib/gefitinib/erlotinib/sirolimus, thalidomide/lenalidomide as well as erythropoietin. For citation crosscheck the ISI web of science database was used employing the same search terms.

RESULTS

Several classes of targeted substances may be distinguished: Small molecules including kinase inhibitors and specific inhibitors, antibodies, and anti-angiogenic agents. Combination of these agents with radiotherapy may lead to specific toxicities or negatively influence the efficacy of RT. Though there is only little information on the interaction of molecular targeted radiation and radiotherapy in clinical settings, several critical incidents are reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of molecular targeted drugs to conventional radiotherapy outside of approved regimens or clinical trials warrants a careful consideration especially when used in conjunction in hypo-fractionated regimens. Clinical trials are urgently needed in order to address the open question in regard to efficacy, early and late toxicity.

Two cases of bowel perforation associated with sunitinib treatment for renal cell carcinoma

Sunitinib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is widely used in the treatment of carcinoma. Adverse events associated with this treatment, including fatigue, diarrhea, and hematotoxicity, have been reported in clinical trials. Bowel perforation is a surgical emergency that requires immediate treatment depending on the location and progression of the tumor. We report 2 cases of bowel perforation during sunitinib treatment. The patients presented with diffuse peritonitis, and emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed. We speculate that the underlying mechanisms were decrease in capillary density of the normal mucosa in case 1 and tumor shrinkage because of sunitinib treatment in case 2. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the pathological findings implicating bowel perforation due to sunitinib treatment. Further investigations are needed to clarify the risk factors for intestinal perforations associated with sunitinib treatment.

Antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibition related gastrointestinal perforations: a case report and literature review

Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) therapy with the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab can cause gastrointestinal (GI) perforations. In recent years it became apparent that GI perforations also occur during treatment with antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). It is of clinical importance to consider (vague) abdominal complaints during antiangiogenic treatment as a sign of a GI perforation. To illustrate this serious complication, we report four cases of antiangiogenic treatment related GI perforations. In three cases this was due to antiangiogenic TKI treatment. Reported risk factors of GI perforations due to bevacizumab include the presence of a primary tumor in situ and recent history of endoscopy or abdominal radiotherapy. Pathology assessments of surgical removal of the perforated intestinal part reveal that perforations are predominantly seen at the tumor or anastomotic site, in case of carcinomatosis or diverticulitis or when GI obstruction or an intra-abdominal abscess is present. Whether the same risk factors may be involved in antiangiogenic TKI related GI perforations is unknown. The underlying mechanisms responsible for GI perforation during antiangiogenic treatment is unknown, but disturbance of host cell homeostasis of immune cells as well as platelet-endothelial cell interactions may play an important role. In conclusion, while clinical awareness that antiangiogenic treatment can cause GI perforations is critical for current medical practice, it is also very important to get more insight in its underlying mechanisms so that this life-threatening complication may be prevented in the near future.

Bronchial Fistula Associated with Sunitinib in a Patient Previously Treated with Radiation Therapy

Objective:

To report a case of bronchial fistula associated with sunitinib in a patient previously treated with radiation therapy.

Case Summary:

A 40-year-old man with renal cell cancer diagnosed in 2005 and initially treated by radical nephrectomy presented in March 2007 with a recurrence with cerebral, mediastinal, and lung metastases. A thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan showed a subcarinal tumor obstructing the bronchus intermedius. The patient was initially treated with cerebral and thoracic radiotherapy and then with sunitinib 50 mg/day (4 weeks on, 2 weeks off). Two months after the beginning of treatment, a CT scan revealed a dramatic reduction in the size of the tumor, associated with a bronchial fistula. This was confirmed by flexible bronchoscopy, which showed complete necrosis of the tumor and a large perforation of the bronchus intermedius. Sunitinib was immediately withdrawn and antibiotic prophylaxis was instituted. It was not possible to place an endobronchial stent. Two weeks later, flexible bronchoscopy revealed the reappearance of a yellowish mass protruding into the bronchus intermedius (40% obstruction). A few months later, the obstruction of the bronchus intermedius progressed to 90% and was associated with a contralateral obstruction of the left mainstem bronchus (20%). A rigid bronchoscopy was then performed to clear the obstruction and an endobronchial stent was placed, with satisfactory initial results. In February 2008, the patient presented with new bronchial obstruction under the endobronchial stent but refused a rigid bronchoscopy and died in March 2008.

Discussion:

Sunitinib, a multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitor with antiangiogenic and antitumoral activities, has been approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma. This treatment is generally well tolerated. Serious complications may occur, however. According to the Naranjo probability scale, the bronchial fistula was possibly related to sunitinib treatment.

Conclusions:

This is a rare case of a bronchial perforation leading to a fistula associated with sunitinib treatment after mediastinal radiation therapy. Clinicians may consider strict follow-up of patients with proximal lung metastases treated with sunitinib (CT scan and, if appropriate, placement of an endobronchial stent).