Oxaliplatin-induced Pulmonary Toxicity: A Rare but Serious Complication

The FOLFOX regimen (oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and 5-fluorouracil) is FDA approved for use in patients with colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies. The initial phase III randomized controlled trials that led to FDA approval of oxaliplatin with leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil showed a less than 1% incidence of pulmonary fibrosis and grade IV pulmonary toxicities. Here we describe two cases of pulmonary toxicity in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with FOLFOX and briefly review the literature regarding oxaliplatin-induced pulmonary toxicity.