Unraveling the unforeseen: anuric acute kidney injury induced by alectinib

Alectinib, a second-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor, is pivotal in managing ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) due to its efficacy and favorable safety profile. However, severe renal toxicity, including acute kidney injury (AKI), remains a rare but significant adverse effect. We present the case of a 71-year-old female with a history of diabetes and recently diagnosed ALK-positive NSCLC. She had been on alectinib therapy (600 mg twice daily) for two months. The patient was admitted with symptoms of shortness of breath and anuria. Initial laboratory results revealed a significant rise in serum creatinine from a baseline of 1.0 mg/dL to 3.64 mg/dL, indicating AKI. Alectinib was discontinued, and the patient underwent a single session of hemodialysis. The patient exhibited rapid clinical improvement with significant recovery of renal function, and she was discharged without the need for further dialysis. A subsequent switch to brigatinib was well-tolerated, with stable renal function observed at the 4-month follow-up. This case underscores the potential for severe AKI associated with alectinib therapy, highlighting the importance of vigilant renal function monitoring in patients undergoing treatment, especially those with predisposing conditions. Early recognition and prompt intervention are crucial to mitigate renal complications and optimize patient outcomes. Brigatinib may serve as a suitable alternative for patients intolerant to alectinib.