Paclitaxel-induced pneumonitis. Review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Knowledge of the toxicity of anticancer drugs is crucial in the management of the cancer patient. We present a review of the medical bibliography regarding paclitaxel-induced pneumonitis in order to analyze the available diagnostic options, therapeutic possibilities and the prognosis of these patients. Methods: A computerized search of Medline, PubMed, and Web of knowledge was carried out.The following keywords were searched within the title:“taxane,”“paclitaxel”and“pneumonitis.”Patients were classified as survivors or dead.A descriptive and comparative analysis was performed. Results: A total of 51 clinical cases of patients who developed paclitaxel-induced pneumonitis were obtained.The neoplasms treated in order of frequency were: breast (35%), lung (25%), gastric (21.5%), pancreas (10%) and lymphoma (4%).The time since the last dose of paclitaxel received and diagnosis of pneumonitis was documented in 57% of cases, with an average latency of 208 ± 174 h.The need for invasive mechanical ventilation and therapy with intravenous corticoid bolus were associated with variable mortality of the patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Paclitaxel-induced pneumonitis is a potentially serious entity. It is necessary to deepen the development of diagnostic and therapeutic protocols that improve the prognosis in severe cases.