Rechallenge of immune checkpoint inhibitors in a case with adverse events inducing myasthenia gravis

J Immunother Cancer. 2022 Nov;10(11):e005970. doi: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005970.

Abstract

The mechanism(s) of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced myasthenia gravis (MG), an immune-related adverse event (irAE) that is fatal and limits subsequent ICI use, remain unexplored. Here, through comparative genomic analysis, we identified a pathogenic p.S467C germline variant in SLC22A5 in a thymoma case with ICI-induced MG, which was found to be associated with fatty acid oxidation through its regulation on L-carnitine levels. Remarkably, ICI rechallenge with L-carnitine pretreatment led to durable response without MG-related symptoms. Thus, we provide the first clinical evidence of genetic test-directed irAE management, which integrates individualized ICI treatment into the evolving paradigm of cancer management.

Keywords: Immunotherapy; Lung Neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carnitine
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / chemically induced
  • Solute Carrier Family 22 Member 5
  • Thymoma* / drug therapy
  • Thymus Neoplasms*

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Carnitine
  • SLC22A5 protein, human
  • Solute Carrier Family 22 Member 5