Interstitial nephritis with pembrolizumab: A case report and review

Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody approved for adult patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although immune related adverse events are considered to be well tolerated, complications may occur and discontinuation of the treatment could be required.

A 62-year old patient diagnosed with advanced non-small cell lung cancer experienced a decline in the renal function after seven cycles with pembrolizumab.Management & outcome: After ruling out other common causes of interstitial nephritis, pembrolizumab was attributed as a cause of interstitial nephritis. At first, toxicity was managed with corticosteroids and closely monitoring the patient, but finally pembrolizumab had to be discontinued due to the kidney function did not recover.

Renal and urinary disorders were reported in <3% of patients treated with pembrolizumab, being interstitial nephritis the most reported toxicity. The kidney damage can be a complication to consider in patients receiving pembrolizumab. Early identification of an increase in serum creatinine levels may help with prevention by establishing an effective treatment, although it may not mean a total recovery of kidney function.