Pembrolizumab-induced myasthenia gravis-like disorder, ocular myositis, and hepatitis: a case report

Journal of Medical Case Reports

Shih-Liang Chang¹  Yang-Hao Ou²  Chia-Yi Tian²  Chih-Ming Lin³ 

[1] Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, No.168, University Road, Changhua, Taiwan;School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan;Department of Neurology, Changhua Christian Hospital, No. 135, Nanxiao Street, 500, Changhua, Taiwan;Department of Neurology, Changhua Christian Hospital, No. 135, Nanxiao Street, 500, Changhua, Taiwan;Department of Social Work and Child Welfare, Providence University, Taichung, Taiwan;Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, No.168, University Road, Changhua, Taiwan;

关键词: Pembrolizumab;    Immune checkpoint inhibitor;    PD-1;    Neuroinflammation;    Ocular myositis;    Hepatitis;    Case report;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13256-021-02722-8

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

IntroductionPembrolizumab and other immune checkpoint inhibitors are the emerging treatment for selected, high-grade malignancies. However, a small number of patients are unable to tolerate its adverse effects, leading to discontinuation of this potentially life-changing therapy. In this study, we present a case of high-grade urothelial carcinoma patient, who experienced neurocomplications during the first pembrolizumab administration. However, we were able to limit the adverse effect by concomitant use of low-dose oral steroids.Case presentationA 75-year-old Taiwanese female with high-grade urothelial carcinoma of the left ureter came to the neurology clinic with complaints of acute onset of bilateral ptosis 16 days after her first infusion of pembrolizumab. It was found that she developed complete bilateral ptosis and limited extraocular muscle movements. Myasthenia gravis-related antibodies and repetitive stimulation test were negative. We diagnosed her with pembrolizumab-induced myasthenia gravis-like disorder and myositis based on clinical symptoms and elevation of muscle enzymes. We commenced methylprednisolone pulse therapy followed by oral steroid therapy with gradual resolution of the symptoms. Three months later, the patient received a second cycle of pembrolizumab with low-dose oral steroids without any complications.ConclusionPembrolizumab exerts its antitumor activity by interfering with the binding of programmed death 1 and its ligand, programmed death ligand 1. As a result, enhanced cytotoxic T cells can recognize tumor cells and induce cellular death. However, neurological complications may be severe and require prompt recognition and treatment. Our case demonstrated that concomitant use of low-dose steroids and pembrolizumab might prevent such complications.

【 授权许可】

CC BY