A Case of Fournier's Gangrene in the Course of Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Molecular-targeted Therapy

Intern Med. 2024 Jul 25. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.3907-24. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Lenvatinib is a molecular-targeted agent with proven efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We herein report a case of lenvatinib-associated Fournier gangrene. A 66-year-old man with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma presented with a high fever 4 weeks after switching to lenvatinib. He had severe erythema in the inguinal region, and abdominal computed tomography revealed extensive emphysema and scrotal abscesses. He was diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene, and his symptoms were successfully treated with local debridement and antimicrobial therapy. Although reports of lenvatinib-associated Fournier's gangrene are rare, they should be kept in mind, as the condition could progress rapidly and have poor outcomes.

Keywords: Fournier's gangrene; advanced hepatocellular carcinoma; adverse event; bevacizumab; lenvatinib; molecular targeted agent.