Korean J Urol.  2012 May;53(5):371-374.

Docetaxel-Induced Fatal Interstitial Pneumonitis in a Patient with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

• Min BD
• Kang HW
• Kim WT
• Kim YJ
• Yun SJ
• Lee SC
• Kim WJ

Abstract

A 69-year-old man with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) received docetaxel and a corticosteroid. After the third cycle of docetaxel administration, he presented with dyspnea, cough, sputum, and fever of 39.2degrees C. The chest X-ray and chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a diffuse reticulonodular shadow in both lungs, which suggested interstitial pneumonitis. Initially, we used empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics and high-dose corticosteroids. However, his condition progressively became worse and he was transferred to the intensive care unit, intubated, and placed on mechanical ventilation. He died 4 days after hospital admission. Here we report this case of fatal interstitial pneumonitis after treatment with docetaxel for CRPC. We briefly consider docetaxel-induced pneumonitis to make physicians aware of the possibility of pulmonary toxicity so that appropriate treatment can be begun as soon as possible.

Keyword

Docetaxel; Interstitial pneumonitis; Prostatic neoplasms

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Aged
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Cough
Dyspnea
Fever
Humans
Intensive Care Units
Lung
Lung Diseases, Interstitial
Pneumonia
Prostate
Prostatic Neoplasms
Respiration, Artificial
Sputum
Taxoids
Thorax
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Taxoids

Figure

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  FIG. 1 (A) Chest X-ray before docetaxel administration, showing no abnormal findings in either lung. (B) Chest X-ray at admission showing a reticular shadow in both lungs that suggested interstitial pneumonitis.

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  FIG. 2 Chest computed tomography of transverse (A) and coronal (B) views showing diffuse reticulation in both lungs.

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