Recurrent lung abscesses during chemotherapy in patient with limited stage small cell lung cancer: A case report and review

Fifty-eight Y.O. lady was diagnosed with limited stage SCLC in our institute in November 2013. She started initially on EP chemotherapy. On day 12 of cycle 2, the patient complained of Fever, excessive cough. CT thorax showed newly developed pulmonary abscess that confirmed histologically. She was kept in with IV (intravenous) antibiotics, with subsequent improvement of her condition. Then CCRT was initiated with cycle 3 EP. On day 6 of cycle 3, she developed fatigue, poor general condition, high fever, and, cough. CT Thorax showed new lung abscess in the ligula. Sputum culture showed klebsiella pneumonia. She was treated by IV antibiotic for 10 days. Her condition improved thereafter and she was returned back to CCRT with Cycle 4 EP. Currently, she finished her treatment protocol with no further complication related to treatment protocol. Discussion: Many reasons may explain the development of lung abscess in nonneutropenic patient including chemotherapy side effect, underlying chest condition, and relatively large primary tumor size.