Severe bleomycin lung toxicity: reversal with high dose corticosteroids

Thorax. 1993 Jan;48(1):92-4. doi: 10.1136/thx.48.1.92.

Abstract

A 42 year old man, treated for testicular carcinoma with combination chemotherapy that included bleomycin, developed life threatening interstitial pneumonitis. He recovered successfully after treatment with very high doses of corticosteroids and azathioprine. This report suggests that bleomycin lung toxicity may be reversible if treated aggressively.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use*
  • Bleomycin / adverse effects*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Lung / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use*
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / chemically induced*
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Bleomycin
  • Prednisolone
  • Azathioprine