Esophago-tracheobronchial fistula induced by anlotinib: A case report
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: RATIONALE: Anlotinib is a novel multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets tumor angiogenesis and proliferation signals, demonstrating significant antiangiogenic effects. It is used as a third-line treatment for refractory advanced non-small cell lung cancer. PATIENT CONCERNS: An elderly male patient with lung squamous cell carcinoma, who was intolerant to chemotherapy, received anlotinib for antitumor treatment and experienced choking when eating and drinking. DIAGNOSES: Pulmonary computed tomography revealed an irregular cavity adjacent to the mediastinum in the right lung, measuring ~75 mm × 49 mm. Endoscopic examination combined with gastroscopy and tracheoscopy under general anesthesia showed erosion of the carina, absence of the right side, and an ~3-cm-long, oval-shaped esophagotracheal fistula located 26 to 29 cm from the incisors. INTERVENTIONS: A partially covered esophageal stent was placed endoscopically. OUTCOMES: During the 6-month follow-up period, the patient's esophagotracheal fistula narrowed, and he no longer experienced choking while eating or drinking. LESSONS: The incidence of adverse reactions to anlotinib is relatively low, and esophago-tracheobronchial fistula caused by it is even rarer. When using anlotinib to treat non-small cell lung cancer, clinicians need to monitor changes in patients' symptoms closely. If symptoms of choking when eating and drinking occur, pulmonary computed tomography should be promptly repeated to detect signs of esophago-tracheobronchial fistula early and intervene promptly.
Source: Medicine
Authors: Yiheng Qian, Jiabin Qian, Xin Lv
Language: English
Topic: Esophageal and GI Pathology
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,950
OpenAlex ID: W4416717915