Bilateral pneumothorax in combination therapy with cetuximab for oral cancer with no lung metastasis: A case report

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundIn oral cancer, several patients with lung metastasis have been reported to develop a pneumothorax. We recently experienced two cases of pneumothorax during combination therapy with cetuximab (Cmab‐therapy) for oral SCC with no lung metastasis.Case presentationTwo cases were found to have bilateral pneumothoraces during Cmab‐therapy for postoperative recurrence of oral SCC. In both cases, a bulla presented at the apices of the lungs, confirmed by CT scan images taken before the combination therapy.ConclusionWe suggest the importance of assessing for bulla formation at the lung apex and pneumothorax prophylaxis before starting Cmab‐therapy.