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Case Reports
. 2021 Jun;13(9):735-740.
doi: 10.2217/imt-2020-0320. Epub 2021 Apr 22.

Long-term immune-related adverse events after discontinuation of immunotherapy

Karoline Horisberger  1 , Carmen Portenkirchner  1 , Andreas Rickenbacher  1 , Luc Biedermann  2 , Christoph Gubler  2 , Matthias Turina  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Long-term immune-related adverse events after discontinuation of immunotherapy

Karoline Horisberger et al. Immunotherapy. 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of various cancers but are notorious for their potential to cause severe side effects. While most side effects occur during ongoing therapy, an increasing number of reports of late onset have emerged. It is also not yet clear how long side effects can last. Resolution is achieved under symptomatic therapy, but the side effects may persist latently. We present a patient case with recurrence of colitis after closure of an ileostomy over 1 year after discontinuation of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab. To the best of our knowledge, no other case with severe colitis still lasting after more than a year of suspension of therapy has yet been reported.

Keywords: colitis; immune checkpoint inhibitor; immune-related adverse events; intestinal perforation; irAE; long-term adverse event.

Plain language summary

Lay abstract Checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized therapy for suitable cancers. However, they can cause side effects that are reminiscent of autoimmune diseases. While most adverse effects occur during ongoing therapy, there are increasing reports of late-onset adverse effects after discontinuation of therapy and of long-lasting adverse effects after discontinuation of treatment, which may remain latent even if symptom relief could be achieved by immunosuppression. We present a patient case with reappearance of a severe inflammation of the large bowel (colitis) after closure of an ostomy over 1 year after withdrawal of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. To the best of our knowledge, no other case with severe colitis still lasting after more than a year of suspension of therapy has yet been reported.

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