title: Fatal hypersensitivity pneumonitis associated with docetaxel.
abstract: We present a patient with advanced breast cancer treated with three cycles of docetaxel who developed repeated episodes of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, progressed to respiratory failure and death despite treatment with corticosteroids and supportive care. Docetaxel-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis was diagnosed by excluding infection and tumor spread with bronchoalveolar lavage and lung biopsy. Physicians should consider such a condition in all patients who present with interstitial pneumonitis and respiratory failure when they are receiving docetaxel and treat them aggressively with steroids and supportive care, as it can be fatal.
authors.forename: Murali Krishna
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Gurram
authors.forename: Swaroopa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pulivarthi
authors.forename: Carl T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: McGary
mesh_terms: D000542:Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D064704:Levofloxacin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015411:Mastectomy, Modified Radical; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D064704:Levofloxacin; D011241:Prednisone; D008775:Methylprednisolone