Docetaxel-related interstitial pneumonitis

Abstract

Docetaxel (Taxotere(®)) is an agent that is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. In recent years, docetaxel-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) has been reported in several case series studies. The onset of ILD occurred ~10-20 days (median time: 18 days) after docetaxel administration. Here, we reported the case of a patient who had pulmonary toxicity of ILD within 3 days after using a relatively low-dose docetaxel administration. Although some articles have described patients who progressed to respiratory failure and needed intubation, this patient responded well to steroid treatment and discontinued docetaxel administration.

Keywords: docetaxel; interstitial lung disease.

Figure 1

Before chemotherapy. Notes: (A) A chest X-ray shows right lower lung consolidation and pleural effusion (black arrow). (B) A chest CT shows a soft tissue mass measured as 98.7×87.4×82.7 mm³ in the right lower lung field (white arrow) with central necrosis and lobulated pleural effusion (white arrow head). (C) A chest CT shows no interstitial lung disease or lymphangitis carcinomatosis. Abbreviation: CT, computed tomography.

Figure 2

3 days later following chemotherapy. Notes: (A) A chest X-ray shows increased interstitial lung markings bilaterally; the implanted port was placed at the right subclavian vein. (B) A chest CT shows diffuse ground glass opacity at the bilateral lung fields. Abbreviation: CT, computed tomography.

Figure 3

After steroid administration. Notes: (A) A chest X-ray shows no obviously increased lung marking, and the implanted port was placed at the right subclavian vein. (B) The repeated chest CT shows marked improvement in ground glass opacity. Abbreviations: CT, computed tomography; L, left side.