Severe infusion reaction due to nivolumab: A case report

Cancer Rep (Hoboken). 2020 Jun;3(3):e1246. doi: 10.1002/cnr2.1246. Epub 2020 May 4.

Abstract

Background: Nivolumab is an anti-PD1 immune checkpoint inhibitor commonly used for the treatment of solid organ and hematological malignancies. Severe infusion reaction due to nivolumab is quite rare.

Case: We report a case of severe infusion reaction due to nivolumab necessitating ICU admission and withdrawal of further nivolumab use in a patient with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Conclusion: Our knowledge and expertise with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors are still evolving. This report highlights one of the rare possible side-effects that clinicians and patients may have to face with increasing indications and use of nivolumab in day to day practice.

Keywords: immunotherapy; infusion reaction; nivolumab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / adverse effects*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / etiology
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous / adverse effects*
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nivolumab / administration & dosage
  • Nivolumab / adverse effects*
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Nivolumab