A case of hepatitis induced by herbal medicine in non-small cell lung cancer patient treated by a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy

Abstract

Introduction Consumption of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely described in cancer patient. However, their composition is not clearly defined and the proofs of safety or effectiveness are quite low. We reported here the case of a CAM-induced hepatitis. Case summary A 33-years-old men with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and treated by combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy developed hepatitis during 5 months. Viral and iatrogenic etiologies were excluded. Management and outcome Medication reconciliation found concomitant utilisation of CAM. Some of the plants which composed CAM were found to be possible hepatotoxic. After discontinuation of this CAM, liver fonctions normalized. Close monitoring of liver function showed no other hepatitis. Discussion CAM induced hepatotoxicity was suspected. Medication reconciliation included CAM is needed in cancer patient to detect drug interactions and CAM side effects to improve cancer patient management.