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Pulmonary toxicity associated with fludarabine monophosphate
P G Hurst1, M P Habib, H Garewal
1Medical Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona.
Investigational New Drugs
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Fludarabine monophosphate (FAMP) can cause lung toxicity in leukemia patients. This interstitial pneumonitis resolved with steroids but returned upon withdrawal, highlighting a potential adverse effect of this cancer drug.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fludarabine monophosphate (FAMP), a purine nucleoside antimetabolite, is used to treat various cancers like chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
- FAMP is a derivative of 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl adenine (ara-A).
Observation:
- A case of diffuse interstitial pneumonitis was observed in a patient undergoing treatment for CLL with FAMP.
- The pulmonary toxicity presented as interstitial pneumonitis.
Findings:
- The interstitial pneumonitis resolved rapidly with high-dose corticosteroid therapy.
- The condition recurred upon steroid withdrawal and abated again with further steroid administration.
Implications:
- This is the first reported instance of pulmonary toxicity associated with fludarabine monophosphate.
- The findings suggest a need for vigilance regarding FAMP-induced lung injury and prompt management with steroids.