HEPATIC-ENCEPHALOPATHY SECONDARY TO ADMIN ISTRATION OF FLUTAMIDE FOR PROSTATE-CANCER

A 72-year-old male treated with flutamide for metastatic prostate canc er developed lethargy and confusion. He was noted to be icteric and hi s liver enzymes were elevated. Within a week of dicontinuing the medic ation, the patient's mental status and liver function refined to norma l. Although flutamide-induced near fatal liver dysfunction has been de scribed, progression to encephalopathy is a rare occurrence. Based on a review of the literature, management guidelines for the use of fluta mide are suggested.