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Pembrolizumab-Induced Broken Heart Syndrome, Pneumonitis, and Hypophysitis Occurring Concurrently; A Deadly Triad
Wahab J Khan1, Muhammad Asif1, Hammad S Chaudhry1
1University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
Abstract:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are novel medications used to treat a wide range of solid organ tumors and work by stimulating the cellular immune response. With their increasing use, more and more multiorgan side effects are reported in the literature. Prompt recognition of these findings is vital for the safe clinical use of these agents. Most side effects are immune-mediated injury, and the treatment involves stopping the ICI drug and systemic steroids. We report a case of a 72-year-old female treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer. She presented for dyspnea and generalized weakness after the second session of pembrolizumab. She was found to have a triad of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, hypophysitis, and pneumonitis. The patient was discharged home on steroids and heart failure treatment with the discontinuation of further sessions of pembrolizumab.
Insights
Immune checkpoint inhibitors can cause rare, severe side effects affecting multiple organs. This case highlights a patient experiencing Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, hypophysitis, and pneumonitis after pembrolizumab treatment for lung cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are revolutionary cancer therapies that enhance the immune system's anti-tumor response.
- The increasing application of ICIs has led to a rise in reported immune-mediated adverse events affecting various organs.
- Early identification of these side effects is crucial for the safe administration of ICIs.
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