Severe immune-related hyperthermia followed by immune-related pneumonitis with PD-1 inhibitor (sintilimab) in small cell lung cancer: A case report

Thorac Cancer. 2021 Jun;12(11):1780-1783. doi: 10.1111/1759-7714.13967. Epub 2021 May 5.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have achieved prominent efficacy in the treatment of numerous cancers, which is the most significant breakthrough in cancer therapy in recent years. However, ICIs are associated with a series of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Pneumonitis is an uncommon but potentially fatal irAE. In the case reported here, a patient with advanced small cell lung cancer (SCLC) had rapid progression of disease following chemotherapy and received ICIs. The patient experienced severe immune-related hyperthermia followed by immune-related pneumonitis. Fortunately, a good clinical response was achieved after the patient received corticosteroids and tocilizumab.

Keywords: hyperthermia; immune checkpoint inhibitors; immune-related pneumonitis; sintilimab; small cell lung cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hyperthermia / etiology*
  • Hyperthermia / pathology
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications*
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Pneumonia / chemically induced*
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / complications*
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • sintilimab