Progressive and Reversible Conduction Disease With Checkpoint Inhibitors

Can J Cardiol. 2017 Oct;33(10):1335.e13-1335.e15. doi: 10.1016/j.cjca.2017.05.026. Epub 2017 Jun 8.

Abstract

Novel antineoplastic therapies are focused on harnessing our own immune system to fight cancer. To that end, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 and programmed death ligand 1 are 2 coinhibitory signals that play central roles in decreasing T-cell response and represent a class of medications termed "checkpoint inhibitors." We present an unusual case of progressive conduction abnormalities induced by checkpoint inhibitors. Prompt medical intervention resulted in full recovery. Despite the anticancer efficacy, the newer antineoplastic agents pose a significant and often life-threatening risk of cardiotoxicity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Brugada Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Brugada Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Brugada Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Cardiac Conduction System Disease
  • Disease Progression
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Sarcoma / therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents