Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome in a child treated with bevacizumab.

Abstract

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Hypertension is a well-recognized, common side effect of VEGF blocking agents. The reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) has been described as a rare but serious consequence of bevacizumab administration. We present a case of a 6-year-old child with refractory hepatoblastoma who developed hypertensive crisis, seizures and MRI changes consistent with RPLS while receiving bevacizumab with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin. Findings completely resolved without neurologic sequelae with stringent blood-pressure control. Better understanding of risk for RPLS, prompt recognition and aggressive management will be required as bevacizumab gains wider use in pediatrics.

• Authors: Carolyn Fein Levy, Khine Zin Oo, Fernando Fireman, Louisdon Pierre, Marita A Bania, Swayamprabha Sadanandan, Darrell J Yamashiro, Julia L Glade Bender
• Journal: Pediatric blood & cancer (Pediatr Blood Cancer) Vol. 52 Issue 5 Pg. 669-71 (May 2009) ISSN: 1545-5017 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19101996 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Bevacizumab

Topics

• Antibodies, Monoclonal (adverse effects, immunology, therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Bevacizumab
• Blood Pressure (drug effects)
• Child, Preschool
• Fatal Outcome
• Humans
• Immunotherapy (adverse effects)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Neoplasm Staging
• Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (drug therapy, immunology, pathology, physiopathology)