Taxane induced pneumonitis in a case of carcinoma esophagus treated with chemo-radiation: Case report and review of literature

Taxanes are the preferred chemotherapy (CT) modality in treatment of carcinoma esophagus. Taxane use is associated with toxicities such as myelosuppression, neuropathy and musculoskeletal effects. Pneumonitis arising with the use of taxanes is a relatively rare and less explored entity. The present case report addresses this phenomenon in a patient who received Neoadjuvant and concurrent treatment with taxane and presented with symptoms and signs of pneumonitis. Patient initially presented with flu like symptoms and dyspnea that was unresponsive to antibiotic treatment. She presented 12 days after, the completion of concurrent CT-Radiotherapy. Despite all the measures, she ultimately succumbed to the pneumonitis. In any such case of development of pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease/fibrosis related symptoms and signs in relation to CT-RT, taxane induced pneumonitis should be kept in the differential diagnosis. Clinicians should be aware of this entity to appropriately manage such a rare and life-threatening occurrence.