Pembrolizumab-induced focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: A case report

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is the most common primary glomerular disorder that leads to end-stage kidney disease. Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, is an anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1) immunoglobulin G4 antibody approved for the treatment of advanced melanoma and can cause various renal immune-related adverse events (AEs), including acute kidney injury. Several cases of anti PD-1 therapy-induced glomerulonephritis have been reported so far, but FSGS has seldom been reported.

46-year old woman presented to our hospital with generalized edema.

Laboratory examination revealed features of nephrotic syndrome, and kidney biopsy confirmed FSGS. After other etiological factors of secondary FSGS were ruled out, she was diagnosed with FSGS caused by pembrolizumab.

She did not resume treatment with pembrolizumab and was treated with irbesartan and furosemide according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology Practice guidelines.

After 2 months, the features of nephrotic syndrome resolved.

This case provides valuable insight into the etiology of FSGS that can occur as a renal immune-related AE of PD-1 inhibitor therapy. Therefore, patients should undergo evaluation for renal function and urinalysis at baseline and after treatment. If patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors present with renal injury and/or unexplained proteinuria >1 g/day, we would recommend a kidney biopsy to determine the underlying cause and establish an appropriate therapeutic plan.