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Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
Published on: January 31, 2022
Pembrolizumab Treatment-Induced Liver Toxicity
Benoît Calderon1, Alma Stancu1, François-Roger Vanel1
1Institut Sainte Catherine, Avignon, France.
Abstract:
T cells play a critical role in immune responses against neoplasm. This finding contributed to the immunotherapy development, an effective treatment for many cancers nowadays. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) is an inhibitory receptor on T cells which downregulate T-cell function per ligation with its ligands (PDL1 and PDL2). PD1 blockade is used to enhance antitumor immunity. Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal anti-PD1 antibody currently used in the management of melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Most of the treatment toxicities are immune-related adverse events, but grade 3-4 toxicities occur in up to 5% of patients, mainly dermatologic. We present a case of grade 4 pembrolizumab-induced liver toxicity associated with an excellent treatment response in a Caucasian woman.
Insights
Pembrolizumab, an anti-PD1 therapy, can cause severe liver toxicity, but also offers excellent cancer treatment responses. This case highlights the critical balance between efficacy and adverse events in immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- T cells are crucial for anti-neoplasm immune responses, leading to cancer immunotherapy development.
- Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) inhibits T-cell function; its blockade enhances antitumor immunity.
- Pembrolizumab, an anti-PD1 antibody, treats various cancers but can cause immune-related adverse events.
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