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Wang J, Lan H, Mao X, Chen Y. Pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction induced by tislelizumab immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer: a case series and literature review. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:327. [PMID: 38977996 PMCID: PMC11232320 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03140-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse events of secondary adrenal insufficiency caused by anti-PD-1 immune agents are relatively rare in clinical practice, so in this article, we retrospectively analyzed three patients who suffered secondary adrenal cortex dysfunction caused by tislelizumab immunotherapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)and reviewed the literature. This rare immune-related adverse event was investigated by summarizing the clinical features of the patients. CASE PRESENTATION We reported three NSCLC patients who suffered secondary adrenal cortex dysfunction induced by tislelizumab immunotherapy at our hospital from July 2021 to October 2023. We analyzed and summarized the clinical characteristic, laboratory examination, pathological staging, etc. We also reviewed related literature of pituitary inflammation and adrenal cortex dysfunction caused by immunotherapy. RESULTS The median age of the three patients was 56 years. All the patients had a history of smoking. After receiving tislelizumab treatment (median cycle: 7), laboratory examination showed a decrease in morning cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), both were diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency. Only one patient had symptoms of fatigue, vomiting, and weight loss. One of these patients also had simultaneous subclinical hypothyroidism. All three patients discontinued immunotherapy and received replacement therapy with glucocorticoids. At the last follow-up, none of the three patients restarted immunotherapy, because cortisol did not return to normal. This is similar to that of previous reports. CONCLUSION Based on previous reports and our three cases, when laboratory tests of NSCLC patients receiving immunotherapy showed a decrease in morning cortisol and ACTH levels, especially when clinical symptoms were obvious, the possibility of immunotherapy-related pituitary inflammation causing secondary adrenal cortex dysfunction should be considered. Prompt monitoring and hormone replacement therapy should be provided to prevent adrenal crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Wang
- School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Huanrong Lan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310002, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaowei Mao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Yefeng Chen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, 312000, China.
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Cook S, Samuel V, Meyers DE, Stukalin I, Litt I, Sangha R, Morris DG, Heng DYC, Pabani A, Dean M, Navani V. Immune-Related Adverse Events and Survival Among Patients With Metastatic NSCLC Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2352302. [PMID: 38236598 PMCID: PMC10797458 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.52302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy reportedly improve overall survival (OS) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, studies have been small and the association between irAE severity and OS remains poorly defined. Objective To examine the association between irAEs and their severity with OS in patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC receiving ICIs. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective observational cohort study included patients with NSCLC receiving ICIs between March 1, 2014, and November 30, 2021, with follow-up until March 31, 2023. Data analysis was completed April 26, 2023. The Alberta Immunotherapy Database, a provincial, multicenter cohort, was used to capture data from patients receiving ICIs in Alberta, Canada. Participants included 803 patients 18 years or older who received at least 1 cycle of ICI (alone or with chemotherapy), agnostic to treatment line. Exposure Developing an irAE mandating delay or discontinuation of ICI therapy and/or systematic corticosteroids for management of toxic effects (hereinafter referred to as clinically meaningful irAEs). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was association between irAEs and OS according to Kaplan-Meier analysis. Clinically meaningful irAEs were identified. Patients with poor prognosis (survival <3 months) who may have died prior to irAE development were excluded from OS analysis, mitigating immortal time bias. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression analyses ascertained variables associated with OS. Results Among the 803 patients included in the analysis, the median age of patients with irAEs was 69.7 (IQR, 63.1-75.2) years and the median age of those without irAEs was 67.5 (IQR, 60.4-73.3) years, with comparable sex distribution (139 of 295 men [47.1%] and 156 of 295 women [52.9%] with irAEs vs 254 of 505 men [50.3%] and 251 of 505 women [49.7%] without irAEs). Mitigating immortal time bias (n = 611), irAEs were associated with OS (median OS with irAEs, 23.7 [95% CI, 19.3-29.1] months; median OS without irAEs, 9.8 [95% CI, 8.7-11.4] months; P < .001). No OS difference was associated with treatment in hospital vs as outpatients for an irAE (median OS, 20.8 [95% CI, 11.7-30.6] vs 25.6 [95% CI, 20.1-29.8] months; P = .33). Developing irAEs remained associated with OS in the total cohort after Cox proportional hazards regression with known prognostic characteristics (hazard ratio, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.40-0.70]; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of 803 patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC receiving ICIs, developing a clinically meaningful irAE was associated with improved OS. This association was not compromised by hospitalization for severe toxic effects. Whether and how ICI therapy resumption after an irAE is associated with OS warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cook
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vanessa Samuel
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniel E. Meyers
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Igor Stukalin
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ishjot Litt
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Aliyah Pabani
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michelle Dean
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Bratova M, Skrickova J, Matusikova M, Hrabcova K, Havel L, Koubkova L, Hrnciarik M, Krejci J, Fischer O, Svaton M, Brat K. Effectiveness of first-line anticancer treatment may predict treatment response in further lines in stage III/IV patients with non-small cell lung cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:17123-17131. [PMID: 37768380 PMCID: PMC10657273 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05431-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of our study was to evaluate if therapeutic success in the first-line of anticancer treatments in patients with NSCLC may predict treatment success in the following lines. METHODS We analyzed the data of patients with NSCLC stage III/IV from the TULUNG registry separately for chemotherapy, TKIs, ALK inhibitors, and immunotherapy in the first line during the years 2011-2019. "Succesful treatment " was defined as PFS ≥ 6 months, a "good responder " was a patient with ˃50% of "successful treatment " lines. Treatment responses were analyzed separately for each drug group. Descriptive statistics, Fisher exact test, Pearson Chi-Squared test, log-rank test, and univariate/multivariate logistic regression models were used. RESULTS The first-line TKI therapy was successful in 66.2%, while good responders accounted for 50.7% of the cohort and their rates were similar for all types of TKIs. First-line platinum-based chemotherapy was successful in 43.1% and 48.6% for combinations with pemetrexed and bevacizumab, respectively. Good responders accounted for 29.5% and 25.9%, respectively. In the group of ALK inhibitors, we observed treatment success in 52.3% of cases, while alectinib showed the highest effectiveness (up to 70%). Good responders constituted 50% of the group. In the first-line immunotherapy group, survival benefit was observed in 52.3%, and good responders constituted 52.3% of the cohort. CONCLUSION We concluded that the treatment success in first-line therapies in patients with NSCLC may predict survival benefits in the subsequent lines, particularly in EGFR- or ALK-positive disease and immunotherapy-treated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Bratova
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospital Brno, Jihlavska Street 20, 625 00, Brno, EU, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Skrickova
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospital Brno, Jihlavska Street 20, 625 00, Brno, EU, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Magda Matusikova
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Ltd., Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Libor Havel
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Thomayer Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Leona Koubkova
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
- 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Hrnciarik
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Krejci
- Department of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery, Bulovka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Fischer
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Svaton
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospital Pilsen, Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Kristian Brat
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospital Brno, Jihlavska Street 20, 625 00, Brno, EU, Czech Republic.
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Lin L, Liu Y, Chen C, Wei A, Li W. Association between immune-related adverse events and immunotherapy efficacy in non-small-cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1190001. [PMID: 37284302 PMCID: PMC10239972 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1190001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Our study aimed to identify potential correlations between anti-tumor efficacy and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of online electronic databases up to March 2023 to identify any correlations between irAEs and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy in NSCLC. We used meta-analysis RevMan 5.3 software to calculate pooled results. Results: Our meta-analysis of 54 studies revealed that patients who experienced irAEs achieved a significantly higher objective response rate (p < 0.00001) and longer progression-free survival (PFS) (p < 0.00001) and overall survival (OS) (p < 0.00001) than those who did not experience irAEs. Additionally, patients with ≥2 irAEs had better PFS, whereas no significant difference was observed between patients with or without squamous cell carcinoma. Subgroup analysis of irAE types indicated that irAEs (thyroid dysfunction and gastrointestinal, skin, or endocrine irAEs) were associated with better PFS and OS. However, no significant differences were observed between patients with pneumonitis or hepatobiliary irAEs. Conclusion: Our study showed that the occurrence of irAEs was a strong predictor of survival efficacy in patients with NSCLC treated with ICIs. Specifically, patients with ≥2 irAEs and those with thyroid dysfunction and gastrointestinal, skin, or endocrine irAEs achieved a better survival benefit. Systematic Review Registration: Website: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, Identifier: CRD42023421690.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Lin
- Department of Oncology, Wuhan Asia General Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Oncology, Wuhan Asia General Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Anhua Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Zhou Y, Chen H, Tang L, Feng Y, Tao Y, Huang L, Lou N, Shi Y. Association of immune-related adverse events and efficacy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Immunotherapy 2023; 15:209-220. [PMID: 36710655 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2022-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to explore the association of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) with efficacy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials & methods: A literature search was conducted under preselected criteria. Primary outcomes were hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI of irAEs on objective response rate, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: 35 studies covering 8435 patients with advanced NSCLC were included. Patients with irAEs exhibited significantly longer PFS and OS (for PFS, HR: 0.481; 95% CI: 0.370-0.568; p < 0.001 and for OS, HR: 0.470; 95% CI: 0.410-0.539; p < 0.001), and also showed significantly higher objective response rate compared with those without irAEs (pooled OR: 0.023 [95% CI: 0.009-0.590]). Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that irAEs were associated with efficacy for advanced NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Haizhu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics & Gene Regulation, Breast Tumor Centre, Department of Medical Oncology, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Le Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yu Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yunxia Tao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221000, China
| | - Liling Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Ning Lou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yuankai Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study on Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, Beijing, 100021, China
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Atkinson M, Lansdown AJ. Endocrine immune-related adverse events: Adrenal, parathyroid, diabetes insipidus, and lipoatrophy. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 36:101635. [PMID: 35382989 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2022.101635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are being prescribed increasingly widely for a range of malignancies. They are effective at treating certain cancers, but also have significant side effects. Evidence suggests that efficacy is greatest in patients who experience one or more immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Common irAEs include skin and hepatic reactions, and a range of immune-related endocrinopathies. These include hypophysitis, thyroid disease, and autoimmune diabetes mellitus, and rarer endocrinopathies such as primary adrenal insufficiency, diabetes insipidus, parathyroid disease, autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, lipodystrophy, and ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. Herein, we review the current literature related to these rarer immunotherapy-induced endocrinopathies.
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Sonehara K, Tateishi K, Araki T, Komatsu M, Akahane J, Yamamoto H, Hanaoka M. Predictive Factors Correlated with the Development of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:427-435. [PMID: 35140520 PMCID: PMC8818764 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s347852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Patients and Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Sonehara
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto City, Nagano, Japan
| | - Kazunari Tateishi
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto City, Nagano, Japan
- Correspondence: Kazunari Tateishi, First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto City, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan, Tel +81-263-37-2631, Fax +81-263-36-3722, Email
| | - Taisuke Araki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto City, Nagano, Japan
| | - Masamichi Komatsu
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto City, Nagano, Japan
| | - Jumpei Akahane
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto City, Nagano, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yamamoto
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto City, Nagano, Japan
| | - Masayuki Hanaoka
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto City, Nagano, Japan
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Sonehara K, Tateishi K, Araki T, Komatsu M, Akahane J, Yamamoto H, Hanaoka M. Pembrolizumab-Induced Adrenal Insufficiency in Patients with Untreated Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Series. Case Rep Oncol 2021; 14:1561-1566. [PMID: 34949996 PMCID: PMC8647110 DOI: 10.1159/000519597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pembrolizumab-induced adrenal insufficiency (AI) is recognized as a rare immune-related adverse event (irAE) that can be fatal if diagnosis is delayed. Clinical features of AI in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received pembrolizumab as the first-line treatment were observed. Five out of 49 patients with untreated advanced NSCLC developed AI between April 2017 and February 2021. Of the 5 patients, 4 developed AI with a grade >3 and were hospitalized. The median time of the onset of AI from the start of first-line treatment was 4.63 months. All the patients improved after corticosteroid replacement therapy. The efficacy of treatment was complete response in 1 patient and partial response in 4 patients. Median progression-free survival was 37.7 months, and overall survival had not been reached. This case series revealed the efficacy of immunotherapy in AI as an irAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Sonehara
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Kazunari Tateishi
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Taisuke Araki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Masamichi Komatsu
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Jumpei Akahane
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yamamoto
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Masayuki Hanaoka
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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Galliazzo S, Morando F, Sartorato P, Bortolin M, De Menis E. A case of cancer-associated hyponatraemia: primary adrenal insufficiency secondary to nivolumab. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2021; 22:363-366. [PMID: 34238203 DOI: 10.2174/1871530321666210708142815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors is a new frontier for cancer treatment. On the safety profile, this drug class is associated with a new spectrum of side effects, the so-called immune-related adverse events that can potentially affect any organs, mainly endocrine glands. Scant data are available to inform the appropriate strategy of their management and treatment. CASE PRESENTATION A 74-years man with squamous non-small cell lung cancer on nivolumab was hospitalized for fatigue, nausea, vomiting and severe hyponatremia. Biochemical tests were significant for hypotonic hyponatremia with a high urine sodium concentration. Endocrine tests showed overt primary hypothyroidism and low serum cortisol and aldosterone levels associated with an elevated circulating level of adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Adrenal antibody screening and the search of adrenal lesion on CT abdomen were negative. Thus, a nivolumab-induced primary adrenal insufficiency was diagnosed. Nivolumab withdrawal and replacement treatment with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid allowed clinical and biochemical recovery. CONCLUSION Physicians need to be aware of potential immune-related adverse events in all patients treated with an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Their timely recognition is essential to carry out the proper treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Galliazzo
- Department of Internal Medicine Unit, Ospedale S.Valentino, Montebelluna, Treviso, Italy
| | - Filippo Morando
- Department of Internal Medicine Unit, Ospedale di Cittadella, Cittadella, Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Sartorato
- Department of Internal Medicine Unit, Ospedale Ca' Foncello, Treviso, Italy
| | - Michela Bortolin
- Department of Internal Medicine Unit, Ospedale S.Valentino, Montebelluna, Treviso, Italy
| | - Ernesto De Menis
- Department of Internal Medicine Unit, Ospedale Ca' Foncello, Treviso, Italy
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