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Transtuzumab induced organizing pneumonia: a case report
Ajay Gupta1, Louise Teo2, Philip Masel3
1Asian Cancer Center, Faridabad, India ; Medical Oncology, Hervey Bay Hospital, Hervey Bay, QLD Australia.
Springerplus
|December 10, 2016
Summary
Transtuzumab, a breast cancer drug, can cause organizing pneumonia, a rare lung condition. Early diagnosis and steroid treatment are crucial for patient recovery from this adverse effect.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Metastatic breast cancer patients frequently present with pulmonary symptoms of diverse origins.
- Transtuzumab is a critical therapy for HER2-positive breast cancers.
- Organizing pneumonia is a rare but serious potential side effect of Transtuzumab treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of organizing pneumonia in a patient treated with Transtuzumab for metastatic breast cancer.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and management of Transtuzumab-induced organizing pneumonia.
Main Methods:
- A case study of a 43-year-old female with metastatic breast cancer receiving Transtuzumab and paclitaxel.
- Investigation of pneumonitis included bronchoscopy and biopsy.
- Treatment involved Transtuzumab cessation, steroids, and supportive care.
Main Results:
- The patient developed bilateral pneumonitis after Transtuzumab therapy.
- Bronchoscopic biopsy confirmed organizing pneumonia.
- Treatment with steroids led to remarkable clinical improvement.
Conclusions:
- Organizing pneumonia can be mistaken for infection or disease progression in cancer patients.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are essential to prevent adverse outcomes.
- This case adds to the limited literature on Transtuzumab-associated organizing pneumonia.
