Acute cytokine release syndrome after a first dose of pembrolizumab as second-line treatment for metastatic, programmed death-ligand 1-positive, non-small-cell lung cancer

Abstract

Introduction: The use of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) checkpoint inhibitor therapy is expanding, although its adverse effects are not completely known. We report on a rare case of acute cytokine release syndrome related to pembrolizumab use in a patient with lung cancer.

Case report: A 79-year-old man with metastatic, PD-L1-positive, non-small-cell lung cancer developed a febrile condition associated with a systemic inflammatory response syndrome and suffered haemodynamic compromise four hours after the first intravenous administration of pembrolizumab. A thorough medical workup found no alternative cause and a grade 2 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was diagnosed.Management and outcome: Aggressive fluid resuscitation and supportive therapy led to restitutio ad integrum.

Discussion: Acute CRS after the administration of a PD-L1 inhibitor is infrequent but could be a fatal condition. Supportive treatment and, if necessary, corticosteroids should be considered.

Keywords: Pembrolizumab; acute side effect; cytokine release syndrome; immunotherapy; non-small-cell lung cancer.