Pneumocystis Pneumonia in a Patient with Ovarian Cancer Receiving Olaparib Therapy

Intern Med. 2022 Jan 15;61(2):217-221. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.7485-21. Epub 2021 Jul 10.

Abstract

We herein report a case of pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in a 77-year-old woman with ovarian cancer who was receiving olaparib therapy. After the patient's second relapse of ovarian cancer, she was administered olaparib as maintenance therapy following successful completion of docetaxel and carboplatin therapy. On receiving olaparib, she showed symptoms of a fever and malaise. Based on laboratory and imaging findings, she was diagnosed with PCP. After treatment with corticosteroids and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole followed by atovaquone, the patient's general condition improved. The lymphocytopenia observed after olaparib administration may have been associated with the development of PCP.

Keywords: lymphocytopenia; olaparib; ovarian cancer; pneumocystis pneumonia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Phthalazines / adverse effects
  • Piperazines
  • Pneumocystis carinii*
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis* / chemically induced
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis* / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Phthalazines
  • Piperazines
  • olaparib