Ibrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a new risk factor for cryptococcosis

Abstract

Purpose

Invasive fungal diseases and especially Cryptococcus neoformans infections are increasingly reported in patients with hematological malignancies receiving ibrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Patients and method

We reported three additional cases and reviewed 16 previous published cases together with cases from the international pharmacovigilance database.

Results

Patients were mainly treated for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cryptococcosis mostly occurred during the first six months (66%) and especially the first two months (44%) of treatment. Clinical presentation is often pulmonary (68%) and the outcome is usually favorable despite ibrutinib continuation.

Conclusion

Clinicians must be aware of this infection in patients with hematological malignancies on ibrutinib.