Vinorelbine‐induced acute respiratory distress syndrome treated with non‐invasive ventilation and immunosuppressive therapy

Severe drug‐induced lung disease, resistant to steroids, is a dramatic situation due to the absence of therapeutic alternatives. We describe a case of vinorelbine‐induced acute respiratory distress syndrome that did not respond to supportive care plus high‐dose steroids. Cyclophosphamide pulse therapy was initiated with subsequent clinical and radiological improvement, allowing the patient to be discharged. We suggest that vinorelbine‐induced lung toxicity is driven by a primarily immune‐mediated mechanism and that it can respond favourably to immunosuppressive therapy. Severe drug‐induced lung disease, resistant to steroids, is a dramatic situation due to the absence of therapeutic alternatives. We describe a case of vinorelbine‐induced acute respiratory distress syndrome that did not respond to supportive care plus high‐dose steroids. Cyclophosphamide pulse therapy was initiated with subsequent clinical and radiological improvement, allowing the patient to be discharged the patient. We suggest that vinorelbine‐induced lung toxicity is driven by a primarily immune‐mediated mechanism and that it can respond favourably to immunosuppressive therapy.