Risk Factors for Eribulin-induced Severe Neutropenia in Patients With Recurrent Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Eribulin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent for advanced and metastatic breast cancer. However, severe neutropenia occurs in 30-40% of patients and interferes with the recommended treatment schedule. Neutropenia is a major cause of treatment interruptions, delays, or even relative dose reductions. This study aimed to examine the risk factors for severe neutropenia after eribulin treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 263 patients with metastatic breast cancer who had received eribulin therapy. Risk factors for severe neutropenia in the first cycle were evaluated. RESULTS: Severe neutropenia in cycle 1 occurred in 50% of the patients. Multivariate analysis suggested six risk factors for severe neutropenia: low baseline neutrophil count and body mass index, high aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin levels, creatinine clearance (CrCl) less than 50 ml/min, and eribulin dose of 1.4 mg/m2 Conclusion: This is one of the few studies to simultaneously examine both hepatic and renal functions in relation to severe neutropenia induced by eribulin. We have provided important information to support the close monitoring of patients with these risk factors and subsequent dosage adjustments, if necessary.

A Case of Pneumothorax Required Surgical Treatment as a Complication of Paclitaxel with Bevacizumab Treatment.

A 63-year-old woman had a history of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mastectomy, and adjuvant endocrine therapy for 5 years before being diagnosed with recurrent lesions involving the right anterior chest wall, multiple lymph nodes, and pulmonary metastases. The patient was subsequently initiated on a paclitaxel and bevacizumab regimen. During this treatment, the patient complained of palpitations and malaise. Chest radiography revealed a left pneumothorax. Despite attempts at conservative treatment, the pneumothorax did not improve and a thoracoscopic approach was required. One of the metastatic tumors in the left lower lobe appeared to rupture, and this area was estimated to be the cause of air leak. The tumor was covered with a tissue seal sheet, and the patient's condition improved with no recurrence of pneumothorax. This case highlights the importance of early conversion to surgical treatment when conservative treatment for pneumothorax is unresponsive due to the potential side effects of bevacizumab. The findings of this case report may be of interest to oncologists, pulmonologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with breast cancer and pulmonary metastases who are undergoing bevacizumab chemotherapy.