Gemcitabine-related pneumonitis in pancreas adenocarcinoma - An infrequent event: Elucidation of risk factors and management implications Journal Article
| Authors: | Sahin, I. H.; Geyer, A. I.; Kelly, D. W.; O'Reilly, E. M. |
| Article Title: | Gemcitabine-related pneumonitis in pancreas adenocarcinoma - An infrequent event: Elucidation of risk factors and management implications |
| Abstract: | Background Gemcitabine-related pneumonitis (GRP) has been reported relatively frequently for pancreas cancer in the literature; however, underlying risk factors and optimal management remain to be defined. We studied a cohort of patients with GRP and investigated potential predisposing factors in pancreatic cancer patients. Patients and Methods A total 2440 patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center were identified between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012, and were screened for grade 2 or higher GRP in an institutional tumor registry and using an ICD billing code database. Demographic and clinical information was extracted by electronic chart review. Results A total of 28 patients (1.1%) with GRP were identified. Incidence of grade 2, 3, and 4 reactions were 7 (25%), 18 (64%), and 3 (11%), respectively. No GRP-related mortality was observed. Twenty-one patients (75%) reported a history of cigarette smoking. Seventeen patients (61%) were alcohol users. Six patients (21%) were either regular or heavy drinkers. Most patients (93%) had either locally advanced or metastatic disease. Three patients (11%) underwent a diagnostic bronchoscopy, and in 1 patient a diagnosis of organizing pneumonia was established. Morbidity was significant; 3 patients (11%) required treatment in the intensive care unit. All hospitalized patients received steroid treatment. Conclusion GRP is relatively uncommon but incurs significant morbidity. Potential risk factors include advanced-stage disease, along with smoking and alcohol consumption and possibly underlying lung disease. We recommend a high level of clinical alertness regarding the diagnosis, early pulmonary referral, and cessation of gemcitabine on suspicion of GRP. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. |
| Keywords: | erlotinib; capecitabine; gemcitabine; adenocarcinoma; pancreas; oxaliplatin; pneumonitis; nab-paclitaxel |
| Journal Title: | Clinical Colorectal Cancer |
| Volume: | 15 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| ISSN: | 1533-0028 |
| Publisher: | Elsevier Inc. |
| Date Published: | 2016-03-01 |
| Start Page: | 24 |
| End Page: | 31 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.clcc.2015.08.003 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PUBMED: | 26395520 |
| PMCID: | PMC4981480 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Article -- Export Date: 4 April 2016 -- Source: Scopus |
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