[Sarcoid-like granulomatosis in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoints inhibitors]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Pathology

Background:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are standard cancer treatments.
• ICI therapy can cause diverse immune-related adverse events.
• These toxicities range from organ-specific injuries to systemic conditions.

Observation:

• Three cases of sarcoid-like granulomatosis emerged during ICI treatment for lung adenocarcinoma, small cell lung cancer, and melanoma.
• Clinical and radiological presentations varied significantly among patients.
• Diagnosis relied on biopsy, pathological examination, and exclusion of infections.

Findings:

• Sarcoid-like granulomatosis is a potential immune-related adverse event of ICIs.
• This condition requires differentiating from tumor progression.
• Management involves discontinuing immunotherapy and considering corticosteroids based on severity.

Implications:

• Awareness of ICI-induced sarcoid-like granulomatosis is crucial for oncologists.
• Misdiagnosis can lead to incorrect treatment decisions, mistaking toxicity for disease progression.
• Prompt identification ensures appropriate patient management and optimizes cancer treatment outcomes.