Gefitinib-induced pneumonitis in non-small cell lung cancer: radiological and clinical findings in five patients.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to describe the radiological and clinical features of gefitinib-induced pneumonitis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).


METHODS
Five patients who suffered dyspnea after gefitinib treatment were selected. Chest radiographs and computed tomography (CT) findings, along with clinical course, were evaluated.


RESULTS
Patients complained of subacute dyspnea and hypoxia. Three patients improved after discontinuation of gefitinib, while remaining two showed no response. Unilateral or bilateral ground glass opacity was observed on chest radiographs and CT.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiological findings of gefitinib-induced pneumonitis were nonspecific, but radiologists should be aware of this adverse reaction, which can appear during the treatment in NSCLC patients.
Park
Hee Sun
HS
Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, South Korea.
Lee
Hyun Ju
HJ
Im
Jung-Gi
JG
Goo
Jin Mo
JM
Lee
Chang-Hyun
CH
Park
Chang Min
CM
Chun
Eun Ju
EJ
D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011859:Radiography