Gemcitabine-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity

Gemcitabine is a pyrimidine analog with a similar chemical structure and mechanism of action, as cytarabine. It has been shown to be a highly active agent for non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, urothelial cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Gemcitabine is relatively well tolerated and myelosuppression is the dose-limiting toxicity. Pulmonary toxicity with gemcitabine is relatively uncommon, but a well recognized entity, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and timely intervention with oxygen supplementation, steroids, and diuretics is necessary to manage patients with this complication.