Chylothorax and 10-year chronicity after Sprycel (dasatinib) treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia: A case report and review

Abstract Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used to treat patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), leading to a nearly normal life expectancy. Sprycel (dasatinib)–induced chylothorax has rarely been reported in patients undergoing CML treatment. We report a 10-year case history of chronic chylothorax that persisted despite discontinuation of dasatinib in a patient with otherwise excellent results after switching to another TKI. Herein, we discuss a conservative treatment approach that uses symptom-based thoracentesis instead of surgical ligation of the thoracic duct. This approach may reduce patient morbidity and prevent the need for complex surgical procedures. TKIs have revolutionized CML treatment; however, these powerful medications are not without patient morbidity.