Introduction: Pembrolizumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that promotes effector T-cell functions on malignant cells by binding to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). Pembrolizumab is well tolerated in most cases with an adverse event profile consisting mainly of pruritus, fatigue, and anorexia. Cardiotoxicity comprises 1% of the total adverse events.
Case report: We present a case of a 64-year-old female with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who developed pleuropericarditis following pembrolizumab therapy.
Management & outcome: The patient was successfully managed with colchicine, furosemide, and timely initiation of methylprednisolone with the improvement of her symptoms. The decision to discontinue pembrolizumab was made, and six months after this intervention, the patient has remained asymptomatic.
Discussion: Clinicians should recognize these potential immune-mediated adverse effects to provide effective and timely management and optimize patient care.
Keywords: Immune-related adverse events; NSCLC; pembrolizumab; pericarditis; pleuritis.