MANAGEMENT OF SELECT ARs

Respiratory, thoracic & mediastinal disorders

This information is not meant to replace the clinical judgment of the attending physician.

Risk of pneumonitis in patients receiving LYNPARZA1

In clinical studies enrolling 2901 patients with various cancers who received LYNPARZA as a single agent, the incidence of pneumonitis, including fatal cases, was 0.8% (24/2901). If patients present with new or worsening respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough and fever, or a radiological abnormality occurs, interrupt LYNPARZA treatment and promptly assess the source of the symptoms. If pneumonitis is confirmed, discontinue LYNPARZA treatment and treat the patient appropriately.

Cough & dyspnea

LYNPARZA dose management1

As part of your assessment and management of a potential adverse reaction, evaluate whether LYNPARZA dosing should be interrupted, reduced, or discontinued.

Learn about Dosing & Administration

Patient counseling1-4

Advise patients that:

  • Cough and dyspnea are among the potential side effects when receiving LYNPARZA
  • Management strategies exist to aid in the alleviation of the symptoms of cough and dyspnea
  • Communication with their care team may inform their experience on therapy5
  • Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they experience any new or worsening respiratory symptoms, including shortness of breath, fever, cough, or wheezing
  • They should report to their healthcare provider any new or worsening symptoms they experience while taking medication

Clinical evaluation3

As part of your clinical evaluation, consider potential causes, including if the patient’s cancer has progressed or recurred, and evaluate appropriately.
Considerations are based on information available from ASCO®.
Perform comprehensive history and physical exam focused on identifying underlying causes and optimizing comorbidities including:

  • Pneumonia
  • Anemia
  • Pleural effusion
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Asthma
  • COPD
  • Pulmonary embolism

See the ASCO® guidelines for dyspnea for further information.

Management considerations3,4

ASCO® guidelines recommendations for intervention include:

  • Optimizing the management of underlying comorbidities
  • Referral to palliative care where available
  • Nonpharmacologic interventions
    • Airflow interventions
    • Supplemental oxygen for patients with hypoxemia experiencing dyspnea

See the ASCO® guidelines for dyspnea for further information.

NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) recommendations for intervention include4:

Relieve symptoms:

  • Oxygen therapy for symptomatic hypoxia
  • Educational, psychosocial-spiritual, and emotional support for the patient/family/caregiver
  • Nonpharmacologic therapies, including fans, cooler temperatures, stress management, relaxation therapy, and physical comfort measures
  • Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation support if clinically indicated for severe reversible condition

If outcomes are acceptable, continue intervention and monitor symptoms and quality of life. If there are ongoing needs, reevaluate care interventions and intensify if possible, or consult or refer to palliative care or hospice. 

Refer to NCCN Guidelines® for more information.

See NCCN Guidelines for Palliative Care for further information.

NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way.