Renal toxicity with liposomal doxorubicin in metastatic breast cancer

Abstract

There is no preferred treatment option for metastatic breast cancer; therefore, treatment should provide palliation, prolong survival, control symptoms, and improve quality of life. Liposomal doxorubicin formulations have been shown to have less alopecia, nausea, vomiting, and myelosuppression than traditional doxorubicin, but more skin toxicities and infusion reactions. Prolonged use of liposomal doxorubicin may be associated with unrecognized or less well-defined toxicities. We report a case of acute kidney injury and progressively worsening chronic kidney disease necessitating dialysis in a patient who received prolonged therapy with liposomal doxorubicin for treatment of metastatic breast cancer. This case report should give caution to providers considering prolonged use of liposomal doxorubicin in the metastatic breast cancer setting as we observed sustained renal toxicity, long past the cessation of treatment.