Early detection and diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathy in two patients induced by gemcitabine treatment of pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Thrombotic microangiopathy is a rare adverse effect associated with gemcitabine therapy which can be life-threatening and severely affect renal function. We report two patients with thrombotic microangiopathy who were diagnosed early and improved without specific treatment. Two patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (a 40-year-old with heavy iron radiotherapy and a 70-year-old) started Gemcitabine monotherapy. Both patients developed mild renal dysfunction and were diagnosed with thrombotic microangiopathy by pathologic findings, and required no specific treatment other than withdrawal from Gemcitabine monotherapy.