Bilateral pneumothorax induced by induction chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature

Background: Chemotherapy is widely used as basic treatments for malignant tumors. There are many kinds of toxic and side effects caused by chemotherapy, among which acute toxic and side effects mainly include gastrointestinal reactions, blood system reactions, liver and kidney function abnormalities, peripheral nervous system disorders, cardiopulmonary function abnormalities, etc. However, there are almost no reports of spontaneous pneumothorax caused by chemotherapy in patients with extrapulmonary tumors. Case presentation: We present a case of a 46-year-old Asian male patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who developed bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax after three cycles of induction chemotherapy. The pneumothorax improved after closed thoracic drainage, and the tumor was successfully treated with continued radiotherapy and chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, The patient is currently under follow-up review. The patient had no risk factors for spontaneous pneumothorax, no severe cough, and no reported pneumothorax caused by he drugs used during the three cycles of chemotherapy. This suggests that there may be an association between pneumothorax and chemotherapy. Conclusion： This case serves as a reminder for oncologists to remain vigilant for similar rare side effects of chemotherapy.