Trastuzumab-emtansine induced pleural and pericardial effusions

Introduction Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is an antibody-drug conjugate which combine trastuzumab (T), a monoclonal antibody targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), and a cytotoxic molecule derived from maytansine (DM1). Case report We report the first case of T-DM1-associated pleural and pericardial effusions three weeks after the second course of T-DM1 in a patient with breast cancer. Drug-induced pleural and pericardial effusions was implicated in the absence of other etiologies. The Naranjo Scale indicated a probable drug-induced adverse reaction. Management & outcome: The patient fully recovered after thoracentesis and discontinuation of T-DM1. The patient h…