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Review
. 2023 Oct;15(14):1117-1123.
doi: 10.2217/imt-2023-0006. Epub 2023 Jul 11.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related chronic pneumonitis: a case report and literature review

Yuan-Di Wang  1   2 , Shengfang Yuan  2 , Cuiling Wen  2 , Zexuan Ji  2 , Baoli Xiang  2 , Bu Wang  2 , Zhihua Zhang  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related chronic pneumonitis: a case report and literature review

Yuan-Di Wang et al. Immunotherapy. 2023 Oct.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related chronic pneumonitis is rare. Limited information is available on the characteristics of this condition. Herein, we present the case of a 54-year-old man with recurrent severe ICI-related pneumonitis. The patient developed fever and dyspnea during both episodes of pneumonitis. He had been previously diagnosed with gastric signet ring cell carcinoma and was undergoing treatment with an anti-PD-1 combination chemotherapy regimen. We reviewed previous case reports of ICI-related pneumonitis according to the primary cancer, time of onset in relation to ICI therapy and chest imaging findings. ICI-related pneumonitis can progress to chronic pneumonitis. Repeated computed tomography imaging showing lung changes in the same location may help to make the diagnosis.

Keywords: case report; chest imaging; gastric signet ring cell carcinoma; immune checkpoint inhibitor; immune-related adverse events; immunotherapy; pneumonitis; steroid treatment.

Plain language summary

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a type of medicine that helps fight stomach cancer but sometimes they can cause problems with the lungs. This case report is about a man who had two bad lung incidents after taking ICI medicine. He had trouble breathing and fever both times. Other people have had similar problems with their lungs after being given ICI treatment. We compared chest pictures of the patient receiving ICI treatment over time and saw changes in the same spot meaning there might be a long-term problem with the lungs. We need to do more research to figure out how to treat this problem better.

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