Another cause of pancytopenia in a patient receiving temozolomide.

OBJECTIVE

To report pancytopenia caused by temozolomide, a second-generation alkylating agent.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 22-year-old patient presenting with seizures and confusion was seen in the emergency room. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass. After surgery, the patient was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme and was given temozolomide at 150 mg/m(2) on days 1 through 5 every 4 weeks. During the last cycle of temozolomide, grade 3 thrombocytopenia persisted. Possible causes of pancytopenia including vitamin B(12) deficiency were investigated.

CONCLUSION

This case report shows that vitamin B(12) deficiency can be a potential cause of pancytopenia and it should be kept in mind for patients receiving chemotherapy.