Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy for Pulmonary Metastasized Germ Cell Tumors of the Testis – Be Aware of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy is regarded as standard of care for patients with advanced germ cell tumors. In patients with lung metastases and a high tumor load, an association between induction chemotherapy and the development of a ‘tumorassociated’ acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been hypothesized. Case Report: We report the clinical course of a 19-year-old patient who rapidly developed fatal ARDS during the first cycle of chemotherapy using the PEI regimen (cisplatin, etoposide and ifosfamide) for a metastasized (lung, liver, lymph nodes) germ cell tumor of the testis. Conclusion: Further clinical research in order to better define risk factors for developing ARDS in this patient population as well as novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of ARDS in those patients are necessary.

Rapid-Onset Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in a Patient Undergoing Metastatic Liver Resection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Several chemotherapeutics such as docetaxel, trastuzumab, lapatinib, gemcitabine, cisplatin, busulfan/melphalan, bleomycin, and so forth, seem to be associated with the development of a severe pneumonitis leading to ARDS even though it represents a very rare side effect [20–30]. …”