Chemotherapeutic drug induced pneumonitis

A series of chemotherapeutic drugs is known to induce interstitial lung disease of letal outcome. Diffuse fibrosing interstitial pneumonias are more frequently observed due to Busulfan, Bleomycin, BCNU or Methotrexat therapy. As well literature as our own investigations demonstrate low sensitivity of X-ray controlls in diagnosing beginning changes. Lung function tests including diffusion capacity analysis are more practicable to recognize early phases of disease. Nevertheless, clinical practice shows patients being moust sensitive in decovering beginning decreases of lung function. Exercise induced dyspnea, raw cough and often fever, dyspnea at rest and finally pulmonary insufficiency will be the climax of symptoms. All patients treated with Busulfan, Bleomycin, BCNU and probably Methotrexat should regulary be controlled by lung function analysis. (orig.)