Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancing Pathogen Detection and Disease Assessment in Real-Time Using M-ROSE
Published on: March 1, 2024
Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Patients with Solid Malignancies: A Retrospective Study in Two Hospitals
Cheon-Hoo Jeon1, Si-Ho Kim1, Seulki Kim2
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 158, Paryong-ro, Masanhoewon-gu, Changwon 51353, Korea.
Abstract:
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a rare opportunistic infection in patients with solid malignancies. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of patients with solid cancers and PJP. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with solid tumors and PJP over an 11-year period, enrolling a total of 47 patients (30-day survival group: n = 20, 30-day mortality group: n = 27). Only 34% of patients received ≥20 mg of prednisolone for ≥2 weeks, and the 30-day mortality rate was 57.4%. The 30-day survival group included more women and patients with colon cancer than the mortality group. Furthermore, absolute lymphocyte counts (ALCs) were decreased at PJP symptom onset, as compared with the values observed 1-3 months earlier. Increased oxygen demand and low ALCs after 5-7 days of PJP treatment were also related to poor prognosis. Due to the limitations of this retrospective study, further studies that adhere to the PJP criteria of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium will be needed to evaluate PJP in solid malignancies more clearly.
Insights
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PJP) in cancer patients is often fatal, with over half dying within 30 days. Low lymphocyte counts and increased oxygen needs predict a poor prognosis for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a rare but serious opportunistic infection.
- Patients with solid malignancies are at risk for PJP, impacting their outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with solid cancers diagnosed with PJP.
- To identify factors associated with mortality in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 47 patients with solid tumors and PJP over 11 years.
- Analysis of patient demographics, treatment, and survival data, including 30-day mortality.
Main Results:
- The 30-day mortality rate for PJP in solid cancer patients was high at 57.4%.
- Inadequate prednisolone treatment ( < 20 mg for < 2 weeks) was noted in 66% of patients.
- Lower absolute lymphocyte counts (ALCs) at symptom onset and after 5-7 days of treatment, along with increased oxygen demand, correlated with poor prognosis.
Conclusions:
- PJP poses a significant mortality risk in patients with solid malignancies.
- Further research using standardized PJP criteria is needed to better understand and manage this infection in cancer patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
01:03Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....