Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia during adjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer: a hidden complication of the prophylactic corticosteroids?
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: We report three cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in patients with early-stage breast cancer undergoing (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy.All cases were associated with cumulative prophylactic corticosteroid exposure exceeding thresholds for PJP prevention thresholds accompanied by significant lymphocytopenia.Disease severity varied, with one patient requiring invasive mechanical ventilation.Despite this, all cases achieved favorable clinical and oncological outcomes.These cases underscore the importance of increased vigilance, optimization of corticosteroid dosing, and the implementation of prophylactic measures to reduce infection risk.In response, our institutional protocols were updated to lower corticosteroid prophylactic doses in the chemotherapy regimens.
Source: Revista Portuguesa Oncologia
Authors: Gonçalo Fernandes, Inês Margarido, João Godinho, José L. Passos Coelho, Mariana Santana, Nazaré Rosado
Institution: Hospital da Luz
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4416892959
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