Pneumonitis in Irradiated Lungs After Nivolumab: A Brief Communication and Review of the Literature

J Immunother. 2018 Feb/Mar;41(2):96-99. doi: 10.1097/CJI.0000000000000198.

Abstract

Nivolumab is a feasible therapy option in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progress on first-line treatment. However, there is limited information about an overlapping toxicity of PD-1 inhibitors when administered following thoracic radiotherapy (TRT). Three of 25 patients with advanced NSCLC were treated with palliative or curative intent. Nivolumab was initiated as second or third-line therapy after TRT for recurrent or progressive disease. All 3 patients developed grade 3 pneumonitis at some point during nivolumab therapy. Herein, we describe 3 cases of pneumonitis in patients with NSCLC started on nivolumab following TRT. Imaging analysis was strongly consistent with heterogenous lung parenchyma changes in the irradiated lung volume receiving a total dose of 15-20 Gy. Pulmonary toxicity was manageable; however, interruption of immunotherapy was necessary.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications*
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Male
  • Nivolumab / adverse effects*
  • Nivolumab / therapeutic use
  • Pneumonia / diagnosis*
  • Pneumonia / etiology*
  • Radiation, Ionizing*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Nivolumab