Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
07:43
Using 22C3 Anti-PD-L1 Antibody Concentrate on Biopsy and Cytology Samples from Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Published on: September 25, 2018
11.0K
Pembrolizumab-Induced Chronic Rhinosinusitis in a Patient With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Yuji Yamasaki1, Hiroshi Ohnishi1,2, Masahiro Komori3
1Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology Kochi Medical School, Kochi University Nankoku Japan.
Respirology Case Reports
|October 7, 2025
Summary
Pembrolizumab, used for lung cancer, can rarely cause chronic rhinosinusitis. This immune-related side effect, characterized by nasal inflammation, was successfully treated with oral corticosteroids.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab have revolutionized cancer treatment.
- Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are common but can affect various organ systems.
- Rarer irAEs require careful monitoring and characterization for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of pembrolizumab-induced chronic rhinosinusitis.
- To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and treatment of this condition.
- To highlight the successful management of immune-related chronic rhinosinusitis with corticosteroids.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient with stage IV squamous cell lung cancer treated with pembrolizumab.
- Clinical evaluation including symptom assessment, laboratory tests, sinus CT, and nasal septal biopsy.
- Histopathological analysis of nasal tissue to identify inflammatory infiltrates.
Main Results:
- Patient developed chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms after 54 cycles of pembrolizumab.
- Histology revealed eosinophilic and neutrophilic infiltration with lymphocyte presence and tissue destruction.
- Diagnosis of immune-related chronic rhinosinusitis was confirmed, and symptoms resolved with oral prednisolone.
Conclusions:
- Pembrolizumab can induce chronic rhinosinusitis as a rare immune-related adverse event.
- This irAE can occur without nasal polyps and presents with significant nasal inflammation.
- Oral corticosteroid therapy is an effective treatment for pembrolizumab-induced chronic rhinosinusitis.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
3.5K
Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
3.5K
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
2.2K
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
2.2K