Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Chemical Inactivation of the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cereblon by Pomalidomide-based Homo-PROTACs
Published on: May 15, 2019
Pomalidomide-induced acute eosinophilic pneumonia: a case report
Mathieu Megevet1, Jessica Freitas Pereira2, Jeanne Vervier1
1Service de pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier du Valais Romand, Valais, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Eosinophilic pneumonia secondary to drug exposure is a recognized but infrequent complication associated with a variety of medications, including oncological therapies. Among immunomodulatory drugs, pulmonary toxicity has been described for thalidomide and lenalidomide but remains a rare complication.Pomalidomide is a third-generation immunomodulatory agent used in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. It has been authorized in Europe since 2013. To date, only a limited number of cases of pomalidomide-induced lung injury, and even fewer cases of eosinophilic pneumonia, have been documented in the literature.We present a case of eosinophilic pneumonia attributed to pomalidomide in a 67-year-old patient receiving daratumumab, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone for relapsed multiple myeloma. The diagnosis was supported by compatible respiratory symptoms and imaging, bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophilia, exclusion of alternative causes, lack of clinical improvement with empirical antibiotics, and rapid improvement after pomalidomide withdrawal and systemic corticosteroid therapy.Prompt recognition of this rare adverse event, discontinuation of pomalidomide, and corticosteroid therapy resulted in rapid clinical and radiological improvement, with sustained pulmonary function recovery at 12-month follow-up.
Insights
Pomalidomide, an immunomodulatory drug, can cause rare eosinophilic pneumonia in multiple myeloma patients. Early recognition and drug withdrawal led to rapid recovery, highlighting this adverse event.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Drug-induced lung injury is an infrequent complication of various medications, including cancer therapies.
- Eosinophilic pneumonia is a rare pulmonary toxicity associated with immunomodulatory drugs like thalidomide and lenalidomide.
- Pomalidomide, a third-generation immunomodulatory agent, is used for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, with limited documented cases of lung injury.
Related Concept Videos
Atypical Pneumonia
Pneumonia 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...
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment