Acute Pancreatitis Related to a Chemotherapy Drug

Drug-induced acute pancreatitis is a rare cause of pancreatitis. We present a case of pancreatitis caused by pazopanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. A 57-year-old male with no risk factors for pancreatitis and a past medical history of renal cell carcinoma who was being treated with pazopanib presented with epigastric pain with radiation to the back. Lipase was elevated to 7,960 units/L. Pazopanib was discontinued on arrival and his lipase levels decreased from 7,960 to 3,380 units/L one day after discontinuation. Abdominal pain resolved and patient tolerated a diet. This case illustrates the importance that medical professionals should be aware of acute pancreatitis as a rare but severe side effect of pazopanib and therefore should monitor and educate their patients accordingly.