Regression of crizotinib-associated complex cystic lesions after switching to alectinib

Abstract

Crizotinib, which is effective in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive non-small cell lung cancer, is sometimes associated with the generation of complex renal cysts. A 56-year-old man with ALK positive adenocarcinoma received crizotinib. Ten months after the introduction of crizotinib, a cystic lesion developed from his right kidney to the iliopsoas muscle, accompanied by fever, anemia, and hypoproteinemia. After 17 months of treatment, crizotinib was switched to alectinib, followed by the recovery of hypo-proteinemia and systemic inflammation. Switching to alectinib may be beneficial in patients demonstrating crizotinib-associated complex renal cysts with systemic inflammation and exhaustion.