Is ibrutinib associated with disseminated cryptococcosis with CNS involvement?

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a disorder of B cells that affects humoral as well as cell-mediated immunity. Protection against cryptococcal infections is mounted by an intricate and synchronized interplay of both integral arms of immunity. Whether CLL or small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors are independently predisposing hosts to cryptococcal infections remain to be explored. Herein, we present a report of a patient who developed disseminated cryptococcosis while receiving ibrutinib therapy for CLL in the salvage setting. We further present relevant literature available thus far on the topic and discuss immunologic mechanisms that may be involved in the fungal pathogenesis in such patients.