Thoracic Complications of Precision Cancer Therapies: A Practical Guide for Radiologists in the New Era of Cancer Care

Radiographics. 2017 Sep-Oct;37(5):1371-1387. doi: 10.1148/rg.2017170015.

Abstract

Recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer have opened a new era of precision medicine for cancer treatment. Precision cancer therapies target specific molecules that are responsible for cancer development and progression, and they achieve marked treatment benefits in specific cohorts of patients. However, these therapies are also associated with a variety of complications that are often unique to specific groups of anticancer agents. The rapidly increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of various advanced malignancies has brought new challenges in diagnosing and monitoring a unique set of toxic effects termed immune-related adverse events. Familiarity with cutting-edge cancer treatment approaches and awareness of the emerging complications from novel therapies are essential for radiologists, who play a key role in the care of patients with cancer. This article provides a comprehensive review of the thoracic complications of precision cancer therapies, describes their imaging features and clinical characteristics, and discusses the role of radiologists in the diagnosis and monitoring of these entities. The authors also address the molecular mechanisms of anticancer agents that relate to thoracic complications and emphasize emerging challenges in novel cancer therapies. This article is designed to serve as a practical reference guide for day-to-day practice for radiologists in the era of precision cancer medicine. ©RSNA, 2017.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Granuloma / chemically induced
  • Granuloma / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / chemically induced
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphadenopathy / chemically induced
  • Lymphadenopathy / diagnostic imaging
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Pneumonia / chemically induced
  • Pneumonia / diagnostic imaging
  • Precision Medicine / adverse effects*
  • Sarcoidosis / chemically induced
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Thoracic Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Thoracic Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thrombosis / chemically induced
  • Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents