Reversibility of severe bleomycin-induced pneumonitis

The use of bleomycin sulfate as an antineoplastic agent has been limited by its substantial pulmonary toxic effects. The exact incidence and prognosis of bleomycin-pneumonitis is unresolved. Although bleomycin pulmonary toxicity is thought to be dose-related, recent reports have emphasized severe reactions at low doses. Furthermore, severe pulmonary toxicity has been suggested to be progressive, irreversible, and ultimately, fatal. We report clinical, roentgenographic, and pathophysiologic recovery after severe, bleomycin-induced pneumonitis.