Successful treatment with nivolumab in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma complicated by pulmonary aspergilloma

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are the key drugs used in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, anti-PD-1 therapy might worsen chronic infection by reactivating the immune response to infectious diseases. Here, we describe a case of successful treatment with nivolumab in a patient with NSCLC complicated by pulmonary aspergilloma, which was safely treated by surgical resection before administration of nivolumab. In conclusion, to safely treat patients with locally limited chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), surgical resection should be considered before ICI therapy.

Keywords: Anti-PD-1 antibody; chronic infection; nivolumab; non-small cell lung cancer; pulmonary aspergilloma.