Vemurafenib-induced pancreatitis in a patient with recurrent hairy cell leukaemia

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib, are effective in inducing long periods of remission in relapsed hairy cell leukaemia. Acute pancreatitis is one of the rare complications that is reported with vemurafenib use. As severe pancreatitis can be life threatening, physicians should be vigilant of this side effect and promptly treat patients that develop clinical signs and symptoms while receiving vemurafenib. We present an interesting case of vemurafenib-induced pancreatitis that not only resolved but also did not recur after reintroduction of the drug at a reduced dose.