leuprolide and Hepatic-Encephalopathy

A 72-year-old male treated with flutamide for metastatic prostate cancer developed lethargy and confusion. He was noted to be icteric and his liver enzymes were elevated. Within a week of discontinuing the medication, the patient's mental status and liver function returned to normal. Although flutamide-induced near fatal liver dysfunction has been described, progression to encephalopathy is a rare occurrence. Based on a review of the literature, management guidelines for the use of flutamide are suggested.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Aged; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; Drug Therapy, Combination; Flutamide; Hepatic Encephalopathy; Humans; Leuprolide; Male; Prostatic Neoplasms