[Case of bilateral pneumothorax observed during the administration of gefitinib for lung adenocarcinoma with multiple pulmonary metastases]

Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi. 2008 Jun;46(6):483-7.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

A 61-year-old woman who had never smoked was given a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the lung with multiple pulmonary metastases. Systemic chemotherapy consisting of carboplatin and paclitaxel was not effective, thereafter daily oral administration of gefitinib was initiated. Six days later, bilateral pneumothorax was found. The extent of the pneumothorax was slight and she recovered without drainage within about one month although treatment of gefitinib was restarted. Gefitinib was effective for lung cancer in this case. Bilateral pneumothorax is a rare complication of chemotherapy for lung cancer. Only 3 such cases under treatment with gefitinib were reported in Japan.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Carboplatin / administration & dosage
  • Carboplatin / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Gefitinib
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Paclitaxel / administration & dosage
  • Paclitaxel / adverse effects
  • Pneumothorax / chemically induced*
  • Quinazolines / administration & dosage
  • Quinazolines / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Quinazolines
  • Carboplatin
  • Paclitaxel
  • Gefitinib