crizotinib and Dysgeusia

We describe a case of dysgeusia that developed gradually over one week after initiation of crizotinib administration for treatment of ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, necessitating discontinuation of the agent. The symptom was accompanied by progressive loss in appetite and body weight. Alectinib, a novel alternative ALK inhibitor, was administered and has been successfully continued without any toxicity, including dysgeusia. The present case indicates that dysgeusia is an important toxicity associated with crizotinib, which could adversely affect nutritional condition and quality of life. We describe the clinical course and present a review of crizotinib-induced dysgeusia.

Topics: Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase; Antineoplastic Agents; Carbazoles; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Crizotinib; Drug Substitution; Dysgeusia; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Piperidines; Pyrazoles; Pyridines; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Treatment Outcome