Project for the Research and the Management of Drug-induced Lung Injury by the Japan Thoracic Radiology Group

Abstract

Because of the introduction of various new drugs to treat cancer or collagen vascular diseases, drug-induced lung injury has increased recently and has become an important problem in clinical practice. Because drug-induced lung injury shows non-specific radiological findings, differential diagnosis between drug-induced lung injury and infections, pulmonary edema, or extension of predisposing diseases may be difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately evaluate the radiographs and CT images for the analysis of the disease process. To support the research of drug-induced lung injury, the non-profit organization (NPO) -the Japan Thoracic Radiology Group (JTRG)- has participated in various research projects as members of the committee to evaluate radiological findings. In addition, the JTRG plans to start the consulting system of drug-induced lung injury to provide support to physicians. This article briefly describes the activities of the JTRG.