Taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel) are chemotherapeutic agents that may be associated with pulmonary toxicity which can be life-threatening.
Type: nucleoside analog
Patterns of injury:
(1) acute interstitital pneumonitis
(2) hypersensitivity pneumonitis
(3) noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, including the capillary leak syndrome
(4) acute hypersensitivity reaction, especially if cremaphor present
The patient may present with dyspnea, cough, hypoxemia and a pulmonary infiltrate. Some patients develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Risk factors for lung toxicity:
(1) concurrent radiation therapy to the chest
(3) concomitant chemotherapy
(3) more frequent therapy cycles (weekly or biweekly)
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Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Pulmonology
ICD-10: ,
