Long-term adverse event: inflammatory orbitopathy induced by pembrolizumab in a patient with metastatic melanoma

Invest New Drugs. 2019 Apr;37(2):375-377. doi: 10.1007/s10637-018-0659-9. Epub 2018 Aug 25.

Abstract

The recent advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), including anti-programmed cell death 1 protein (anti-PD-1) agents has revolutionized the therapeutic approach of metastatic malignancies. Yet, ICI can disrupt immune tolerance resulting in enhanced immune activation in normal tissues with significant toxicity. A dysregulated activation of T-cells directed to normal tissues stands as the main mechanism of immune-related adverse events (irAE). To date, only two cases of immune-related inflammatory orbitopathy related to anti-PD-1 agents have been reported. This rare immune adverse event usually occurred early after ICI initiation. Here, we report the first case of late inflammatory orbitopathy occurring in a melanoma patient treated with pembrolizumab. Consequently, the occurrence of irAE under ICI should be monitored, even late after treatment instauration.

Keywords: Immune adverse event; Melanoma; Orbitopathy; Pembrolizumab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / chemically induced
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / pathology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Male
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Orbital Diseases / chemically induced
  • Orbital Diseases / drug therapy
  • Orbital Diseases / pathology*
  • Prognosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • pembrolizumab
  • Methylprednisolone