Associated Myocarditis: A Predictive Factor for Response?

Abstract

In the present case report, we aimed to describe 2 cases of myocarditis occurring as serious adverse effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) administered as treatment for metastatic melanoma. We describe 2 female patients: an 81-year-old treated with pembrolizumab and a 55-year-old treated with a combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab. Both patients underwent resection of metastases; while under treatment, both developed myocarditis, most probably as a toxicity from pembrolizumab and nivolumab plus Ipilimumab, respectively. While they achieved complete response, the occurrence of myocarditis as a toxicity of ICIs may have been a predictive sign that the immune system was sufficiently activated by the checkpoint inhibitor therapy to induce complete remission.

• Authors: Walid Shalata, Nir Peled, Itzhak Gabizon, Omar Abu Saleh, Waleed Kian, Alexander Yakobson
• Journal: Case reports in oncology (Case Rep Oncol) 2020 May-Aug Vol. 13 Issue 2 Pg. 550-557 ISSN: 1662-6575 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 32518552 (Publication Type: Case Reports)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2020 by S. Karger AG, Basel.