A case of fatal cetuximab-induced interstitial lung disease during the first weeks of treatment

Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor. It has demonstrated activity against a number of cancers including lung, head and neck, and colorectal. The most common side effects associated with this agent are dermatological; however, other types of toxicities have been reported with varying frequencies. Here, we report a case of interstitial lung disease that developed within the first 4 weeks of cetuximab treatment initiation in a patient with metastatic colorectal cancer and led to patient death. Early fatal pulmonary events secondary to cetuximab is rarely reported in the literature; this case report highlights the importance of awareness among treating health care professionals of this potentially fatal toxicity.