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Some immunotherapeutic drugs can cause pneumonitis, which is an inflammation of the tissue inside the lung. Although it is not very common, pneumonitis can be potentially fatal. The diagnosis is usually made clinically based on the symptoms. The patients report the symptoms ranging from shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, loss of appetite, or intentional weight loss. When new symptoms develop, it is important to let your care team know so that they can help figure out if the symptoms is caused by the immunotherapeutic agent you are just treated with, or it is in fact, a manifestation of progression of disease.
Glossary:
Immunotherapeutic drug/agent – medication which triggers the body’s immune cells or strengthens the body’s immune system to fight cancer
