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Diffuse alveolar damage in a patient treated with gemcitabine
A Marruchella1, G Fiorenzano, A Merizzi
1Divisione di Broncopneumologia, Ospedale E. Morelli, Sondalo, Italy.
The European Respiratory Journal
|April 29, 1998
Summary
Gemcitabine, an antineoplastic agent, can cause diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), a severe lung injury. This case highlights a fatal outcome, emphasizing the need for further research into gemcitabine
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Oncology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Gemcitabine is a novel antineoplastic agent used for various cancers.
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment may involve gemcitabine, especially for hepatic relapse.
- Pulmonary toxicity is a potential adverse effect of chemotherapy agents.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old male patient treated with gemcitabine for NSCLC developed acute respiratory failure.
- Symptoms appeared after the sixth dose of gemcitabine.
- The patient died four days after hospital admission.
Findings:
- Autopsy revealed diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), a severe lung injury pattern.
- No infectious or other specific causes for the DAD were identified.
- This is one of the few reported cases of gemcitabine-induced pulmonary toxicity.
Implications:
- Gemcitabine may be associated with significant pulmonary toxicity, including DAD and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Healthcare providers should be vigilant for respiratory symptoms in patients receiving gemcitabine.
- Further studies are needed to determine the incidence and risk factors of gemcitabine-induced lung injury.