[A case of recurrent colon cancer with angina pectoris and interstitial pneumonia during cetuximab therapy with death by carcinomatous lymphangiosis].

The case was a man in his 60s with no past history of heart and lung. Chest tightness was felt during the first course of cetuximab therapy for recurrent colon cancer. He was diagnosed as having vasospastic angina, and administration of vasodilatation agents was done. After the therapy, no chest pain attack was seen. Chemotherapy was continued. After 3 courses, fever elevation, chest tightness and dyspnea were seen. Chest X-ray and CT revealed diffuse interstitial pneumonia in bilateral lung. Although steroid pulse therapy and intensive therapy with mandatory ventilation were performed, he died of respiratory failure. Pathological findings of autopsy revealed remarkable metastasis of cancer cells to the bilateral lungs accompanied chiefly with carcinomatous lymphangiosis. Furthermore, acute and subacute interstitial pneumonia with diffuse alveolar damage were seen in the background of the lungs. Cardiopulmonary disorder as well as skin disorder should be considered as possible adverse events of cetuximab therapy.