Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 8, 2025
Expansion of Human Peripheral Blood γδ T Cells using Zoledronate
Published on: September 9, 2011
Atezolizumab-induced hemolytic anemia - A case report
Christina M Younce1, Jessica M Lawton1, Dhimant R Patel2,3
1Aurora BayCare Medical Center, Green Bay, USA.
Introduction:
Atezolizumab is currently the only immunotherapy used in conjunction with nab-paclitaxel for locally advanced or triple negative breast cancer. Limited data is available regarding hemolytic anemia as a side effect of atezolizumab.
Case Report:
We describe a 59-year-old female with a history of triple negative breast cancer with bone metastases presenting for follow up on Cycle 1, Day 15 of atezolizumab and nab-paclitaxel (100 mg/m2). Patient's complete blood count (CBC) showed macrocytic anemia, with further workup significant for autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) attributed to atezolizumab.Management and outcome: Patient was started on a high dose prednisone taper starting at 80 mg daily for 16 days, folic acid 1 mg three times daily, iron sucrose, and darbepoetin alfa. Patient's counts recovered, and she was able to start Cycle 2 and continued through Cycle 10 without any additional pre-medications.
Discussion:
Hemolytic anemia induced by atezolizumab is a rare side effect that was successfully treated in this patient with a prednisone taper.
