A throbbing pain in the head: trastuzumab-induced migraine

Anticancer Res. 2009 Oct;29(10):4223-5.

Abstract

Trastuzumab, an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, is used in the treatment of both early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. In general it is well tolerated, with a flu-like syndrome occurring frequently a few hours after administration, including symptoms such as fever, sweating, skin rash, nausea and headache. A migraineous headache however has never been described as an adverse event. Here we present a patient in whom a strong relationship between trastuzumab infusion and a migraineous headache syndrome was present, without evidence of metastatic disease. Treatment with corticosteroids for the infusion-related complaints resulted in significant pain relief.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Migraine Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Trastuzumab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Trastuzumab