Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science

Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Yeungnam University Institute Medical Science (영남대 의대 학술지 편집위원회)
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Adrenal insufficiency development during chemotherapy plus anti-programmed death receptor-1 monoclonal antibody (tislelizumab) therapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer: two case reports

  • Baek, Jin Ho (Department of Oncology/Hematology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital)
  • Received : 2021.01.21
  • Accepted : 2021.03.09
  • Published : 2022.01.31
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Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-associated adrenal insufficiency is rare but may become a serious adverse event in patients treated with ICIs. The present case report documents two cases of adrenal insufficiency developed during chemotherapy plus tislelizumab (百泽安, Baize'an; BeiGene Ltd.) therapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer. Adrenal insufficiency developed after 6 and 13 cycles of treatment and was well controlled with hydrocortisone. The patients also developed hypothyroidism, which was managed with levothyroxine. Two patients showed a partial response, and one patient out of two achieved a near-complete response, sustaining over 11 months. Increased awareness of ICI-related adrenal insufficiency is crucial for early detection and prompt management of patients treated with ICIs.

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References

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