Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Lymphocytic Esophagitis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are vital in treating advanced cancers.
• ICI therapy can cause immune-related adverse events, including gastrointestinal toxicities.

Observation:

• A 79-year-old male with metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma on nivolumab presented with dysphagia.
• Endoscopic evaluation revealed esophagitis, with biopsies showing lymphocytic infiltration, dyskeratosis, and acanthosis.

Findings:

• The histological findings were consistent with nivolumab-associated lymphocytic esophagitis.
• This represents a rare immune-related toxicity of ICI therapy.

Implications:

• Early recognition and diagnosis of ICI-induced esophagitis are crucial for patient management.
• Further research is needed to establish optimal treatment strategies for this rare condition.