Hypersensitivity to procarbazine (Matulane®) manifested by fever and pleuropulmonary reaction

Abstract

Three cases of hypersensitivity to oral procarbazine (Matulane®) are described. All occurred during 4-drug combination chemotherapy of Hodgkin's disease. Two reactions primarily involved the skin. The third patient manifested recurrent fever, pulmonary infiltration, pleural effusion, and eosinophilia ultimately demonstrated to be secondary to procarbazine on controlled challenge. The pertinent literature is reviewed.