Immunotherapy-Associated Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: Two Case Reports and a Literature Review

Mariana C Gouveia1, Yumi R Shinkado2, Ana Z L Pereira3

  • 1Clinical Oncology, Hospital 9 de Julho-Américas Oncologia, São Paulo, Brazil.

The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has transformed the treatment landscape of various malignancies. While these therapies have demonstrated significant efficacy, they are often accompanied by immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Among these, hematologic immune-related toxicities are notably rare. Here, we describe 2 cases of immunotherapy-associated autoimmune hemolytic anemia (ir-AIHA) following the use of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) ICIs in patients with locally advanced melanoma and cervical cancer. With the increasing use of ICIs, it is essential for physicians to maintain a high index of clinical suspicion for this rare but serious irAE, ensuring timely diagnosis and effective management to optimize patient outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions01:01

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions

Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...
135
Autoimmune Disorders01:29

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune...
2.2K
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells01:01

Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
4.4K
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions01:30

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial...
152