Therapy-induced toxicity of the lungs: an overview.

UNLABELLED Pulmonary toxicity induced by novel antineoplastic agents has not been well characterized because of the simultaneous or sequential use of drugs and a multimodality therapeutic approach. To further investigate this topic, relevant studies were identified through Medline. The generic names of novel antineoplastic agents and the key words pulmonary toxicity, dyspnea and pneumonitis were used for the search. References from the articles identified were also reviewed for additional sources. Most novel antineoplastic drugs may induce pulmonary toxicity. The most recognized patterns of lung toxicity consist of unspecified dyspnea and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Exclusion diagnosis of possible underlying diseases is necessary. Genetic predisposition, autoimmune conditions or superimposed disease may also be involved in the development of lung toxicity. CONCLUSION Clinicians should be aware of potential pulmonary toxicity as a complication in the treatment of cancer and focus on its early detection or prediction.