Metastatic germ cell tumor showing a durable response to the anti-PD-1 antibody toripalimab

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunotherapy

Background:

• Recurrent and metastatic germ cell tumors (GCTs) present a significant clinical challenge with limited salvage therapy options.
• Novel therapeutic strategies are crucial for improving outcomes in patients with refractory GCTs.

Observation:

• A case of metastatic GCT with 30% PD-L1 expression was treated with toripalimab, a monoclonal anti-PD-1 antibody.
• The patient achieved a durable response and maintained continuous remission for 36 months post-treatment.

Findings:

• Toripalimab demonstrated efficacy as a salvage therapy in a patient with metastatic GCT.
• Continuous remission was sustained despite an 18-month treatment interruption due to an immune-related adverse event (allergic rhinitis).

Implications:

• Toripalimab represents a potential alternative salvage therapy for patients with recurrent and metastatic GCT.
• This case highlights the potential of PD-1 blockade in GCTs, particularly those expressing PD-L1.