Research Keyword: BTK inhibitors

Invasive Cutaneous Mucormycosis in a Patient With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia on Obinutuzumab, Idelalisib, and Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Degrader: A Case Report

A 74-year-old man with blood cancer developed a serious fungal skin infection caused by Mucorales while taking multiple targeted cancer drugs. The infection appeared as a darkening ulcer on his ankle that rapidly worsened. Doctors diagnosed it using a skin biopsy showing characteristic fungal structures, though standard fungal tests came back negative. The patient required amputation of his leg below the knee to remove all the infected tissue, along with antifungal medications, and ultimately recovered.

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BTK drives neutrophil activation for sterilizing antifungal immunity

BTK is a protein that helps neutrophils (immune cells) fight fungal infections, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus. A cancer drug called ibrutinib blocks BTK, which weakens neutrophil antifungal responses and increases the risk of serious fungal infections. The study found that GM-CSF may help restore some immune function in patients taking BTK-blocking drugs, offering a potential strategy to prevent these dangerous infections.

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