Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science

Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Yeungnam University Institute Medical Science (영남대 의대 학술지 편집위원회)
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Pembrolizumab-related autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a patient with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma: a case report

  • Baek, Dong Won (Department of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital) ;
  • Chae, Yee Soo (Department of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital)
  • Received : 2021.01.12
  • Accepted : 2021.02.23
  • Published : 2021.10.31
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Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become the main drugs for programmed cell death receptor-1 or ligand-1 expressing non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) combined with conventional chemotherapy. ICIs are generally more tolerable than cytotoxic chemotherapies in terms of toxicity, and ICI-related adverse events are mild and manageable. However, these drugs may lead to unexpected severe adverse events such as immune-related hematologic toxicities, which could be life-threatening. Here, a rare case of a pembrolizumab-related adverse event in a patient with NSCLC who showed early-onset hemolytic anemia and recovered by high-dose steroid and a series of plasma exchanges is reported.

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References

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