Pulmonary toxicity associated with the use of lenalidomide: case report of late-onset acute respiratory distress syndrome and literature review

Heart Lung. 2014 Mar-Apr;43(2):120-3. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2013.11.007. Epub 2013 Dec 19.

Abstract

Lenalidomide is an immunomodulating drug structurally similar to thalidomide. It is indicated for patients with relapsing or refractory multiple myeloma in combination with dexamethasone, and for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes associated with a deletion 5q cytogenetic abnormality. It is also used to treat other myelodysplastic syndromes such as myelofibrosis and lymphoma. We report a case of organizing pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after long-term administration of lenalidomide, along with a review of the literature.

Keywords: ARDS; Drug toxicity; Lenalidomide.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / adverse effects*
  • Lenalidomide
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Primary Myelofibrosis / drug therapy
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Thalidomide / adverse effects
  • Thalidomide / analogs & derivatives*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Thalidomide
  • Lenalidomide