Azathioprine as a steroid-sparing agent in radiation pneumonitis

Chest. 1996 May;109(5):1397-400. doi: 10.1378/chest.109.5.1397.

Abstract

Radiation therapy is commonly used for treatment of neoplastic disease involving the thorax. Treatment complications include radiation pneumonitis that may require therapy with corticosteroids which possess significant side effects. We report the use of azathioprine as a steroid-sparing agent in a patient with severe radiation pneumonitis and steroid-induced myopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiation Pneumonitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiation Pneumonitis / drug therapy*
  • Radiography
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Azathioprine