Successful desensitization therapy with crizotinib for disease-recurrence of resected lung adenocarcinoma

Background: Therapeutic options for lung cancer with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion gene are limited, however, crizotinib is a promising molecular-targeted drug. We herein experienced a case in which desensitization therapy for crizotinib-induced drug allergy enabled us to continue cancer treatment. Case: A 63-year-old woman experienced disease recurrence after thoracic operation for lung cancer. Lung adenocarcinoma involved the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK fusion gene. Therefore, we administered treatment with crizotinib 250 mg twice a day. During treatment with crizotinib, a high fever, rash, and liver dysfunction developed. Therefore, we discontinued crizotinib treatment. After recovery from the side effects due to crizotinib, we challenged the patient with desensitization therapy with crizotinib. Desensitization enabled us to continue treatment without apparent complications. In addition, a treatment response to crizotinib was observed during desensitization therapy. Conclusion: When patients experience serious complications due to treatment with crizotinib, desensitization therapy might be an effective treatment option.