Case of Tracheoesophageal Fistula Formation as a Rare Complication of Antiangiogenic Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy for Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Treatment with antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has shown longer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) than with placebo in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have previously received systemic therapy. Unfortunately, TKIs are associated with some rare adverse events such as tracheoesophageal fistula formation (TEF). The common risk factors for TEF formation include radiation therapy, prior instrumentation of the esophagus/airway, surgery, and esophagitis. We present a case of a 64-year-old man with a history of HCC who developed TEF after three months of treatment with cabozantinib. Patients experiencing these events require prompt termination of the antiangiogenic TKI. Urgent intervention should be pursued to prevent respiratory failure. Clinicians should be aware of the potential adverse effects of antiangiogenic TKIs, especially in high-risk patients.