Erlotinib is an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It may be associated with pulmonary toxicity that can be life-threatening.
Patterns of injury:
(1) diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) with ARDS
(2) less often bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP)
The patient may present with dyspnea, cough and chest pain.
Risk factors for lung toxicity:
(1) older age
(2) cigarette smoking
(3) concomitant therapy with
(3a) radiation therapy to the chest
(3b) gemcitabine
(3c) other chemotherapeutic agents
(4) pre-existing interstitial lung disease
(5) continued erlotinib therapy after onset of pulmonary symptoms
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Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Pulmonology
ICD-10: ,
