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Published on: May 15, 2019

Reversible pulmonary toxicity due to lenalidomide

Stephanie Coates1, Alan Barker, Stephen Spurgeon

  • 1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA. coates@ohsu.edu

Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice : Official Publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners
|July 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Lenalidomide can cause serious lung toxicity, presenting as shortness of breath and interstitial pneumonia. This pulmonary toxicity appears reversible upon medication discontinuation, offering hope for affected patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Lenalidomide, a thalidomide derivative, is approved for myelodysplastic syndrome and multiple myeloma.
  • Pulmonary toxicity is a known risk with thalidomide, but less documented with lenalidomide.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with severe dyspnea and decreased exercise tolerance.
  • Imaging revealed new ground-glass opacities and reticulation, indicative of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia.

Findings:

  • High clinical suspicion for lenalidomide-induced pulmonary toxicity led to drug discontinuation.
  • The patient experienced rapid symptom improvement within two weeks and complete resolution in eight weeks.
  • Computed tomography scans showed resolving interstitial changes, confirming reversibility.

Implications:

  • Lenalidomide-induced pulmonary toxicity, though debilitating, appears to be reversible.
  • This case highlights the importance of monitoring for pulmonary complications in patients treated with lenalidomide.
  • Early recognition and discontinuation of lenalidomide can lead to favorable patient outcomes.

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