Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0027947 (neutropenia)
 17,527 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Our preclinical studies have shown that the widely used antiparasitic drug albendazole has potent antiproliferative activity against colorectal cancer (CRC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This trial was designed to evaluate albendazole in a small number of patients (n = 7) with either HCC or CRC and hepatic metastases refractory to other forms of therapy. Albendazole was given at 10 mg/kg/day orally in two divided doses for a period of 28 days. To follow the effect of treatment, tumor markers, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) or alpha-feto protein (AFP), were measured routinely in these patients. A range of hematological and biochemical indices were also serially measured to monitor bone marrow, kidney or liver toxicity. Albendazole therapy resulted in a decrease in CEA in 2 patients. In the remaining 5 with measurable tumor markers, serum CEA or AFP was stabilized in 3 patients, while in the other 2, after an initial stabilization (5-10 days), the markers began to increase. In the 7 patients completing the trial, albendazole was well tolerated and there were no significant changes in any hematological, kidney or liver function tests, but 3 patients were withdrawn for severe neutropenia which was probably contributory to the death of 1 patient. These data support our previous experimental results demonstrating that albendazole has antitumor effects.
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PMID:Pilot study of albendazole in patients with advanced malignancy. Effect on serum tumor markers/high incidence of neutropenia. 1147 47

(1) Albendazole, an antiparasitic drug belonging to the benzimidazoles, is indicated in France for the treatment of hydatid disease and alveolar echinococcosis. (2) According to non comparative data and a small comparative trial, albendazole is helpful when surgical removal and percutaneous drainage of a hydatid cyst are impossible. The best ways to use this treatment are not, however, known. One comparative trial showed the value of albendazole before surgery. Two other comparative trials showed the benefit of combining albendazole with percutaneous drainage, an approach that can replace surgical excision. (3) In the absence of comparative trials we do not know if the prognostic improvement seen in alveolar echinococcosis in recent years can be ascribed to albendazole. (4) Transaminase activity and blood cell counts should be checked regularly (there may be a small risk of neutropenia).
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PMID:Albendazole: new indication. Useful adjunct in hydatid disease. 1160 13

Albendazole is a benzimidazole with wide spectrum coverage as an antiparasitic drug. Reported side effects have been minimal. We report the case of a patient who died with severe prolonged pancytopenia beginning during the third week of therapy for a pulmonary echinococcal cyst. This case was a 68-year-old man who presented with a large cystic lung mass. His medical history was significant for Child-Pugh class B cirrhosis. A prolonged course of albendazole was initiated. Two weeks later, the patient presented in septic shock with severe pancytopenia. The patient was initially resuscitated, but died after 10 days with no marrow recovery. Autopsy was consistent with albendazole-induced pancytopenia. This is the third human case of pancytopenia and the first death reported in relation to albendazole-induced pancytopenia. Neutropenia seems to be related more to higher dosage and longer duration of use. Albendazole sulfoxide peak dose and half life are significantly prolonged by liver disease and concomitant administration of certain drugs. The severity and duration of albendazole-induced pancytopenia in this case was likely related to the underlying liver disease. Frequent serial monitoring of blood counts and cessation of medication with any evidence of marrow toxicity in such patients is warranted.
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PMID:Death related to albendazole-induced pancytopenia: case report and review. 1577 24