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Abstract Details

Pembrolizumab-Associated Encephalitis in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Autoimmune Neurology
Autoimmune Neurology Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)
045
N/A
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have been associated with neurological adverse events in 1% of the cases. We present a case of pembrolizumab-associated encephalitis in a patient with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

A 68-year old male with stage IV NSCLC presented with speech difficulties after receiving 3 monthly cycles of carboplatin, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab. On exam, he had moderate dysarthria, reduced fine finger dexterity and right pronator drift. MRI brain with contrast showed multifocal areas of T2 hyperintensity involving supratentorial white matter, pons, middle cerebellar peduncles, and cerebellar hemispheres. CSF studies, including cytology were negative. HSV, VZV, EBV, CMV, JC virus PCR in CSF were negative. Serum HIV was negative and paraneoplastic panel was unrevealing. A presumptive diagnosis of ICI- associated encephalitis was made. Pemetrexed, the other chemotherapy agent used here, has been associated with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome; the clinical picture was inconsistent with this diagnosis.  He was started on dexamethasone 4 mg twice daily, increased to 6 mg twice daily after 2 weeks. He also received 0.4g/kg/day IVIG treatment for 5 days followed by IV methylprednisolone for 5 days. Given the lack of improvement in his neurological status despite treatment, and his advanced cancer, the patient decided to not pursue further treatment. He was discharged to hospice.


N/A
Pembrolizumab and other ICIs have been shown to upregulate T cell activity resulting in autoimmune complications in a host of tissues. ICI- associated encephalitis is often a diagnosis of exclusion; complications of cancer such as metastatic disease, paraneoplastic disease and opportunistic infections should be ruled out. Response to immunotherapy is variable and in many, like our patient, response may be inadequate. Pembrolizumab associated autoimmune encephalitis is a rare but potentially devastating adverse event and should be considered in patients on ICIs who develop neurological symptoms.
Authors/Disclosures
Martineau Louine, MD
PRESENTER
Dr. Louine has nothing to disclose.
Nefize Turan, MD Dr. Turan has nothing to disclose.
Jayashri Srinivasan, MD, PhD, MRCP, FAAN (Lahey Clinic) Dr. Srinivasan has nothing to disclose.
Maria Antonietta Mazzola, MD (Beth Israel Lahey Health) Dr. Mazzola has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Genentec.
No disclosure on file
Michal Vytopil, MD (Lahey Clinic) Dr. Vytopil has nothing to disclose.
Kit Mui, MD Dr. Mui has nothing to disclose.
Pooja S. Raibagkar, MD Dr. Raibagkar has nothing to disclose.