Sunitinib Induced Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation after COVID-19 Infection in a Patient with Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Case Report

Title:Sunitinib Induced Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation after COVID-19 Infection in a Patient with Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Case Report

Volume: 5

Author(s): Mona Tareen, Julieta O Zuluaga, Maroun El khoury, Sameh Salem and Faraz Khan*

Affiliation:

• Department of Hematology/Oncology, American Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Keywords: DIC, COVID-19, Sunitinib, Drug, Neuroendocrine, Carcinoma.

Abstract:

Background: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a known complication of malignancy. Drug-induced DIC is also reported. Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved as an oral targeted therapy in the treatment of different cancers. Here we present a case study of disseminated intravascular coagulation following the administration of Sunitinib after COVID-19 infection in a patient diagnosed with metastatic neuroendocrine tumor of the lung.

Case Report: A 35-year-old male patient with a known metastatic lung neuroendocrine tumor (NET) who was treated with Sunitinib for many years with partial response and tolerating the treatment well-developed recurrent DIC on Sunitinib after COVID-19 infection.

Discussion: COVID-19 infection is reported to be associated with endothelial injury and inflammation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors have a role in the protection and modulation of endothelium. Sunitinib is a multikinase inhibitor with anti- VEGF effect. It is possible that endothelial injury after COVID-19 may have triggered recurrent DIC in this patient who had previously tolerated the same drug without problems.

Conclusion:

DIC may be underreported especially with antineoplastics having anti-VEGF effects. Potential risk, interaction, and association with COVID-19 infection in the Era of the pandemic are unclear but warrants further research, and drug-induced DIC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of such cases.

Cite this article as:

Tareen Mona, Zuluaga O Julieta, El khoury Maroun, Salem Sameh and Khan Faraz*, Sunitinib Induced Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation after COVID-19 Infection in a Patient with Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Case Report, New Emirates Medical Journal 2024; 5 : e140723218725 . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0250688204666230714110831