Evans' syndrome induced by atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract

An 86-year-old man presented with recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgery. Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab was initiated. After the third course of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy, petechial purpura appeared on the extremities and trunk. Laboratory tests revealed isolated severe thrombocytopenia without evidence of combined coagulopathy. He was diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and high-dose immunoglobulin and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapies were administered. Improvement in thrombocytopenia was observed; however, 20 days after the onset of ITP, laboratory data revealed hemolytic anemia. Both direct and indirect Coombs tests were positive, and he was diagnosed with Evan's syndrome complicated by ITP and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) induced by immune-related adverse events (irAEs). After treatment with prednisolone, the hemoglobin level increased, and hemolytic findings improved on blood tests. We encountered a rare case of Evans' syndrome due to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy for HCC. In atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy, hematologic toxicities are not rare adverse events and attention is required.

• Authors: Masanori Fukushima, Kazuaki Tajima, Ryu Sasaki, Yasuhiko Nakao, Kosuke Takahashi, Eisuke Ozawa, Satoshi Miuma, Takeharu Kato, Hisamitsu Miyaaki, Kazuhiko Nakao
• Journal: Clinical journal of gastroenterology (Clin J Gastroenterol) Vol. 16 Issue 3 Pg. 402-406 (Jun 2023) ISSN: 1865-7265 [Electronic] Japan
• PMID: 36746879 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2023. Japanese Society of Gastroenterology.

Chemical References

• Bevacizumab
• atezolizumab

Topics

• Male
• Humans
• Aged, 80 and over
• Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune (chemically induced, drug therapy, complications)
• Bevacizumab (adverse effects)
• Carcinoma, Hepatocellular (drug therapy, complications)
• Liver Neoplasms (drug therapy, complications)
• Thrombocytopenia (chemically induced)
• Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic (complications, diagnosis, drug therapy)