Trastuzumab-Induced Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome in a Breast Cancer Patient.

[systemic capillary leak syndrome]

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS ) is a rare health condition . It is characterized by recurrent episodes of generalized edema and severe hypotension along with hypoproteinemia . The condition is under recognized because of its nonspecific signs and symptoms , and high mortality rate . SCLS triggered by trastuzumab , a target drug for Her 2 -positive breast cancer patients , has not been previously reported . A 59 -year -old Chinese woman , diagnosed with breast cancer with accompanying liver and bone metastasis , was treated with 3 cycles of docetaxel with capecitabine and a regimen of 12 cycles of capecitabine with trastuzumab . The patient developed systemic capillary leak syndrome during the 16 th cycle of chemotherapy . Post-diagnosis treatment regimen is also presented in the current case report . SCLS has been previously observed in breast cancer patients . However , SCLS incidence post-chemotherapeutic treatment with trastuzumab has not been reported elsewhere . Hence , our report highlights the need for rigorous investigation of the side effects of trastuzumab usage and the increasing need of insightful diagnosis to manage any incidence of SCLS . The case provides valuable experience for treating the uncommon adverse effects of trastuzumab in Her 2 -positive breast cancer patients .