Bullous pemphigoid associated with the 480-mg nivolumab dose in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Immunotherapy. 2019 Oct;11(14):1187-1192. doi: 10.2217/imt-2019-0027. Epub 2019 Aug 29.

Abstract

The US FDA has recently approved an updated nivolumab dosing schedule, a single 480 mg iv. dose every 4 weeks [1], across all its previously approved indications, including second-line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. As this regimen is still in its infancy, we have not yet observed significant differences in immune-related toxicities and have not yet identified clinical characteristics which would predict intolerance and increased risk for complications. Herein, we present a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who developed bullous pemphigoid after a single 480 mg iv. dose of nivolumab after previously tolerating a 240 mg biweekly dose for 2 years.

Keywords: T-lymphocytes; autoimmune phenomenon; bullous pemphigoid; check point inhibitors; nivolumab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Nivolumab* / administration & dosage
  • Nivolumab* / adverse effects
  • Pemphigoid, Bullous* / chemically induced
  • Pemphigoid, Bullous* / pathology

Substances

  • Nivolumab