An Autopsy Case of Pleural Mesothelioma Progressed Rapidly With Multiple Organ Metastases During Immune Checkpoint

Mihoko Yamamoto-Rikitake1, Takeshi Yamaryo2, Kazuki Nabeshima3

  • 1Department of Pathology, Nagasaki Rosai Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan.

Pathology International
|January 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can cause atypical responses in pleural mesothelioma (PM). This case highlights rapid metastasis despite primary tumor shrinkage, suggesting hyperprogressive disease (HPD) is possible.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunotherapy
  • Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Background:

  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) were approved for initial pleural mesothelioma (PM) treatment in Japan in 2021.
  • While offering prognostic benefits, atypical responses to ICIs have been reported.

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