Hepatotoxicity following vincristine therapy

Abstract

A patient is reported with small cell lung cancer treated with combination chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, vincristine and etoposide [VP-16-213] who developed transient liver function abnormalities secondary to vincristine therapy. Serum transaminase (SGOT and SGPT) levels rose by 2 to 6 times, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) 1.5 to 2 times, and alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) 1.5 to 2 times normal. Enzyme abnormalities were observed by the 6th day following drug administration and returned to normal between 16 and 48 days, except for the GGTP elevations which persisted longer. Vincristine has been suspected to cause liver damage and to enhance radiation-induced hepatic injury. The authors report this case of moderate transient transaminitis confirmed by rechallenge with vincristine.