Life-threatening interstitial lung disease associated with trastuzumab: case report

Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2009 Feb;113(3):609-12. doi: 10.1007/s10549-008-9966-8. Epub 2008 Mar 16.

Abstract

A female patient with HER2 positive, metastatic breast cancer presented with pulmonary infiltrates, and a plural effusion dyspnoea after several months of trastuzumab treatment. She had been treated without complications with six courses of docetaxel and trastuzumab in combination with dexamethasone with partial remission of disease. Malignancy, infection and cardiomyopathy were excluded as causes of dyspnoea. Pleural and broncheoalveolar fluid analyses (BAL) showed eosinophils. A diagnosis of trastuzumab-induced pneumonitis was made. After treatment with steroids there was gradual clinical improvement and disappearance of infiltrates. Although a causative association between trastuzumab and this patient's pulmonary syndrome was not proven, the potential for this toxicity should be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / chemically induced*
  • Middle Aged
  • Trastuzumab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Trastuzumab