Pemetrexed-induced cellulitis: A rare toxicity in non-small cell lung cancer treatment.

Feb 10, 2012

Katsenos S, Psara A, Panagou C.

Source

Department of Pneumonology, Army General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Abstract

Pemetrexed is indicated for locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer as an initial treatment in combination with cisplatin or after prior chemotherapy as a single agent. It is generally a well-tolerated drug.

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) with single-agent use are fatigue, nausea, and anorexia. Additional common side effects when used in combination with cisplatin include vomiting, neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, stomatitis/pharyngitis, thrombocytopenia, and constipation. Peripheral edema with associated erythema has rarely been described as an adverse effect. Herein, we report a patient with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer who experienced bilateral peripheral edema after pemetrexed administration.

Discontinuation of pemetrexed and corticosteroids use completely resolved peripheral edema.

PubMed