Pazopanib-associated interstitial lung disease in a patient with renal cell carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pulmonology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Pazopanib is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for advanced renal cell carcinoma and soft-tissue sarcomas.
• Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a rare but serious adverse event associated with pazopanib therapy.

Observation:

• A 75-year-old male patient developed ILD three months after starting pazopanib for renal cell carcinoma with lung metastases.
• Symptoms included dry cough, fatigue, hypoxia, and bilateral ground-glass opacities on chest CT.
• The patient's condition worsened despite antibiotic treatment, necessitating non-invasive ventilation.

Findings:

• Discontinuation of pazopanib and administration of systemic steroids led to the patient's recovery.
• This case demonstrates a clear link between pazopanib treatment and the development of ILD.

Implications:

• Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for ILD in patients receiving pazopanib.
• Early recognition and prompt management, including drug cessation, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
• This underscores the need for careful monitoring of pulmonary function in patients undergoing pazopanib treatment.