Work

A Rare Case of Hemolytic Anemia after Alectinib That Did Not Recur after Switching to Lorlatinib

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: We would like to share the case of a 55-year-old male patient with ALK-positive lung cancer with a corpuscular hemolytic anemia following alectinib therapy. Case Presentation: Approximately 7 weeks after initiating alectinib therapy, this patient developed anemia. Laboratory tests revealed a new Coombs-negative hemolysis with adequate substrate levels, an increase in indirect bilirubin, reticulocytes, and undetectable haptoglobin levels. Cytomorphology primarily showed numerous acanthocytes. This presentation aligns with a case reported in Japan, describing severe hemolytic anemia with morphological changes in erythrocytes under alectinib treatment. Conclusion: This is the first report describing a rapid increase in hemoglobin after pausing alectinib and no relapse of hemolysis after switching to lorlatinib, while the lung cancer remained stable (stable disease).

Source: Case Reports in Oncology

DOI: 10.1159/000548479

Authors: X. Tonnar, Cornelius F. Waller

Institutions: University of Freiburg, University Medical Center Freiburg

Language: English

Topic: Lung Cancer Treatments and Mutations

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,170