Listeria brain abscess, Pneumocystis pneumonia and Kaposi's sarcoma after temozolomide

Vincent Ganière, Grégoire Christen, Frank Bally, Louis Guillou, Alessia Pica, Sandrine de Ribaupierre, Roger Stupp*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

47 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: A 55-year-old man with glioblastoma multiforme was treated with continuous, dose-dense temozolomide. This therapy was curtailed after three cycles because of nausea, asthenia, and neuropsychological deterioration. During a subsequent course of radiotherapy, the patient developed fever, headaches, and cutaneous lesions. Investigations: Physical examination, cerebral MRI, brain biopsy, skin biopsy, immunohistochemistry, bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage, and laboratory tests. Diagnosis: Severe temozolomide-induced immunosuppression, exacerbated by corticosteroids, with profound T-cell lymphocytopenia and simultaneous opportunistic infections with Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, brain abscess with Listeria monocytogenes, and cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma. Management: Discontinuation of temozolomide, discontinuation of radiotherapy, antibiotic treatment with amoxicillin and gentamicin, and administration of atovaquone and pentamidine.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)339-343
Number of pages5
JournalNature Clinical Practice Oncology
Volume3
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2006

Keywords

  • Glioblastoma multiforme
  • Kaposi's sarcoma
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Pneumocystis jiroveci
  • Temozolomide

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology

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