Pazopanib-induced mixed liver injury in a patient with soft-tissue sarcoma, but without the UGT1A1*28 mutation: a case report

A 72-year-old man who underwent pazopanib therapy for soft-tissue sarcoma in the left leg was referred to our department because of elevated levels of liver enzymes. Laboratory tests showed high alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels. He was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone (mPSL) therapy (125 mg/day) followed by oral prednisolone and ursodeoxycholic acid therapy, but his liver enzyme abnormality deteriorated and he presented with jaundice. The intravenous mPSL (250 mg/day) treatment was effective and the abnormal levels of liver enzymes and jaundice were improved. He does not carry the UGT1A1*28 mutant allele. Based on our findings, patients presenting with markedly increased liver enzyme levels and jaundice after pazopanib may require steroid therapy.

Keywords: Jaundice; Liver injury; Pazopanib; Steroid.