The Development of Lenvatinib-Induced Pancreatitis in a Patient with Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Case Report

Lenvatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is being used to treat neuroendocrine tumors based on the success shown in the TALENT trial. There are two documented cases of lenvatinib-induced pancreatitis in patients being treated for thyroid cancer. This report describes the first case of pancreatitis seen in a patient with a metastatic neuroendocrine tumor being treated with lenvatinib. A 68-year-old female presented with a chief complaint of epigastric abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. She started on lenvatinib therapy 3 months prior to presentation and discontinued the drug 1 week prior due to worsening symptoms. This patient presented with epigastric pain radiating to the back, CT imaging findings consistent with acute pancreatitis, but only a lipase of 88. Once the diagnosis of pancreatitis was made, treatment was initiated with IV fluids, holding all oral intake and pain management. The patient was discharged after she tolerated oral intake after 5 days of hospitalization. It was concluded that the pancreatitis was likely caused by lenvatinib as other etiologies of acute pancreatitis including gallstones, alcohol use, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercalcemia were ruled out. Clinicians who are using lenvatinib to treat neuroendocrine tumors should be aware of the occurrence of pancreatitis and may consider periodic monitoring for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis. More research regarding the mechanism and development of lenvatinib-induced pancreatitis may benefit clinical decision-making in patients being considered for lenvatinib therapy. Additionally, this therapy may need to be monitored closely in patients with a history of pancreatitis.