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Pembrolizumab-Associated Serositis With Recurrent Pleural Effusions Successfully Treated With Anakinra.
Emma McNally1,2, Sean Garvey1, Malcolm Herron1
1Respiratory Department St James's Hospital Dublin Ireland.
Clinical Case Reports
|July 13, 2026
Summary
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated serositis can cause recurrent fluid buildup. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) blockade with anakinra offers a well-tolerated, steroid-sparing treatment option for this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can cause rare side effects like serositis.
- Serositis may manifest as recurrent effusions and can be steroid-dependent.
- Steroid-sparing therapies for ICI-associated serositis are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of interleukin-1 (IL-1) blockade as a steroid-sparing treatment for immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated serositis.
Main Methods:
- A case report detailing the use of anakinra, an IL-1 receptor antagonist.
- Monitoring for treatment response and adverse events.
Main Results:
- Anakinra treatment was effective in managing serositis.
- The therapy was well-tolerated by the patient.
- Steroid dependence was successfully managed, reducing steroid-related toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Interleukin-1 (IL-1) blockade with anakinra is a promising steroid-sparing option for immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated serositis.
- This approach may improve patient outcomes by minimizing steroid toxicity.
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