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Pazopanib-induced organizing pneumonia in a patient with leiomyosarcoma: A case report
Chie Watanabe1, Jun Miyata1, Kotoba Esaki1
1Division of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2, Namiki, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama, Japan.
Abstract:
Pazopanib, a multityrosine kinase inhibitor used for treating malignant soft tissue tumors, rarely causes adverse events associated with the respiratory system. We report a case of a 73-year-old male with leiomyosarcoma treated with pazopanib. Four months after treatment initiation, chest computed tomography showed bilateral patchy consolidation and ground-glass opacities. Bronchoscopy revealed increased lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histological analysis of lung tissue demonstrated intraluminal fibrotic changes in alveolar spaces. According to these findings, we diagnosed the patient with pazopanib-induced organizing pneumonia. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such a case.
Insights
Pazopanib, a cancer drug, can rarely cause lung inflammation called organizing pneumonia. This case report details a patient experiencing this rare adverse event.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pazopanib is a multityrosine kinase inhibitor used for treating advanced soft tissue sarcomas.
- Adverse events affecting the respiratory system are rare complications of pazopanib therapy.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old male with leiomyosarcoma developed respiratory symptoms four months after initiating pazopanib treatment.
- Imaging revealed bilateral patchy consolidation and ground-glass opacities, while bronchoscopy showed increased lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
Findings:
- Histological analysis of lung tissue demonstrated intraluminal fibrotic changes in alveolar spaces.
- The patient was diagnosed with pazopanib-induced organizing pneumonia based on clinical and pathological findings.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but significant pulmonary toxicity associated with pazopanib.
- Early recognition and diagnosis of drug-induced organizing pneumonia are crucial for patient management and outcomes.
