Cetuximab Induced Aseptic Meningitis: A Rare Side Effect

Abstract

A 65-year-old African American female was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer (T1N2M0) in August 2015. She received platinum-based chemotherapy initially. After an initial remission patient had a systemic recurrence which was treated with Cetuximab. The patient presented to ER six hours after receiving the first dose of cetuximab with high grade fever and signs of meningeal irritation. CSF analysis showed neutrophil predominant pleocytosis with negative gram stain and culture. It was concluded that the patient had cetuximab induced aseptic meningitis. The patient was re-challenged with lower dose of cetuximab which was tolerated well. Cetuximab induced aseptic meningitis is a rare side effect reported in handful of cases.