Management of severe hypertension due to lenvatinib in patients with advanced thymic carcinoma

Abstract

Rationale:Thymic carcinoma (TC) is a malignant mediastinal tumor, and there are no established treatments for pre-treated patients with advanced TC. Recently, lenvatinib was approved for such patients in Japan, ahead of other countries. Higher dose lenvatinib may be more efficacious than conventional treatments, although many patients experience grade 3 hypertension. Therefore, lenvatinib dose reduction remains controversial in terms of efficacy and tolerability.Patient concerns:Case 1 involves a 72-year-old woman who underwent complete resection of TC and was taking cilnidipine and azilsartan for hypertension. Six years later, multiple lung metastases were observed, and lenvatinib was started. Case 2 involves a 60-year-old man with TC, and was taking amlodipine for hypertension. A chest computed tomography showed progression in primary and metastatic lesions, and the patient started lenvatinib.Diagnoses:In both patients, grade 3 hypertension was observed after the administration of lenvatinib.Interventions:In Case 1, lenvatinib dose was reduced 3 times because lenvatinib was not interrupted despite grade 3 hypertension. In contrast, in Case 2, lenvatinib was interrupted when grade 3 hypertension occurred and was resumed after a decrease in blood pressure to baseline.Outcomes:In Case 2, higher tumor regression may have been achieved because of the maintenance of a high dose of lenvatinib compared with that in Case 1.Lessons:Lenvatinib is a promising agent for advanced TC; however, hypertension should be addressed cautiously, especially at the outset of administration. Lenvatinib may have to be appropriately interrupted and resumed as soon as the blood pressure is controlled to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity.