Rapidly fatal pneumonitis from immunotherapy and concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection in a patient with newly diagnosed lung cancer

medRxiv [Preprint]. 2020 May 1:2020.04.29.20085738. doi: 10.1101/2020.04.29.20085738.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are used for the treatment of numerous cancers, but risks associated with ICI-therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic are poorly understood. We report a case of acute lung injury in a lung cancer patient initially treated for ICI-pneumonitis and later found to have concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Post-mortem analyses revealed diffuse alveolar damage in both the acute and organizing phases, with a predominantly CD68+ inflammatory infiltrate. Serum was positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, suggesting that viral infection predated administration of ICI-therapy and may have contributed to a more fulminant clinical presentation. These data suggest the need for routine SARS-CoV-2 testing in cancer patients, where clinical and radiographic evaluations may be non-specific.

Publication types

  • Preprint