Imatinib may reduce chemotherapy-induced pneumonitis. A report on four cases from the SWENOTECA. (3rd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Langberg, Marie K.; Berglund-Nord, Carina; Cohn-Cedermark, Gabriella; Haugnes, Hege S.; Tandstad, Torgrim; Langberg, Carl W.
• Is Part Of: Acta oncologica. Volume 57:Number 10(2018)
• Page Start: 1401
• Page End: 1406
• Publication Date: 2018-10-03
• Subjects: Oncology -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.992
• DOI: 10.1080/0284186X.2018.1479072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0284-186X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: An increasing number of anticancer drugs have been reported to cause pneumonitis. Chemotherapy-induced pneumonitis may cause severe morbidity and event death. As there has been a lack of effective treatment, new treatment strategies are needed. A previous case report has indicated that imatinib may be useful. Patient and methods: The SWENOTECA experience of four cases with severe life-threatening chemotherapy-induced pneumonitis treated with imatinib is presented. Results: All four patients responded to treatment with imatinib. Conclusions: Imatinib appears to be an effective treatment of severe chemotherapy-induced pneumonitis in germ cell cancer patients.