Acute Interstitial Lung Disease Induced by Rechallenge with Ceritinib

Abstract

A 40-year-old Japanese man with advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma harboring anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged was administered the selective ALK inhibitor ceritinib as a third-line treatment and continued treatment for nine months. After fourth-line treatment, we performed rechallenge with ceritinib as a fifth-line treatment. On day 54 after rechallenge, the patient developed acutely deteriorating dyspnea. Chest computed tomography showed extensive ground-glass opacities. We diagnosed him with ceritinib-induced interstitial lung disease (ILD) and initiated methylprednisolone pulse therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of ceritinib-induced ILD in a Japanese patient. Since it may newly emerge with rechallenge therapy, close attention is necessary.