Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy for Pulmonary Metastasized Germ Cell Tumors of the Testis - Be Aware of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Background: Cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy is regarded as
standard of care for patients with advanced germ cell tumors. In
patients with lung metastases and a high tumor load, an association
between induction chemotherapy and the development of a
`tumor-associated' acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has
been hypothesized. Case Report: We report the clinical course of a
19-year-old patient who rapidly developed fatal ARDS during the
first cycle of chemotherapy using the PEI regimen (cisplatin,
etoposide and ifosfamide) for a metastasized (lung, liver, lymph
nodes) germ cell tumor of the testis. Conclusion: Further clinical
research in order to better define risk factors for developing ARDS
in this patient population as well as novel strategies for the
prevention and treatment of ARDS in those patients are necessary.