Cyclophosphamide-induced late-onset lung disease

Intern Med. 2003 Jan;42(1):82-7. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.42.82.

Abstract

We report the case of a 58-year-old woman who was considered to have died of cyclophosphamide (CPA)-induced late-onset lung disease. She underwent a right-sided mastectomy due to breast cancer at the age of 50 followed by daily administration of 50 mg CPA and 20 mg tamoxifen for 2 years. A refractory cough and dyspnea began at the age of 56. Chest radiographs revealed diffuse infiltrates and pleural thickening. Her vital capacity was markedly reduced. Corticosteroid therapy was ineffective. The disease rapidly progressed with occasional episodes of pneumothoraces to her death. Postmortem examination revealed pulmonary fibrosis with marked elastosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / adverse effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Cyclophosphamide / adverse effects*
  • Elastic Tissue / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / chemically induced*
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / diagnosis
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • Cyclophosphamide