Successful rescue therapy with eculizumab for probable tislelizumab-related MMM overlap syndrome with dual positivity for anti-acetylcholine receptor and anti-titin antibodies: a case report and literature review - Report - MDSpire

Successful rescue therapy with eculizumab for probable tislelizumab-related MMM overlap syndrome with dual positivity for anti-acetylcholine receptor and anti-titin antibodies: a case report and literature review

  • By

  • Yi-Xiao Li

  • Yan-Lei Hao

  • June 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Eculizumab as an Effective Rescue Treatment for Likely Tislelizumab-Induced MMM

Overview

This report details a case where eculizumab was successfully used as a rescue treatment for a patient with tislelizumab-induced myocarditis, myositis, and myasthenia gravis (MMM) overlap syndrome. The patient exhibited rapid clinical improvement following eculizumab therapy, highlighting its potential as an effective intervention in severe cases of ICI-related MMM.

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly advanced cancer treatment but can lead to severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including myocarditis, myositis, and myasthenia gravis (MMM) overlap syndrome. This rare but serious condition has high mortality rates, necessitating effective treatment strategies. Current therapies often lack efficacy, underscoring the need for novel approaches like eculizumab.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available.

Key Findings

  • Eculizumab was administered to a 64-year-old male with tislelizumab-induced MMM overlap syndrome.
  • The patient showed dual seropositivity for anti-acetylcholine receptor and anti-titin antibodies.
  • Initial treatment with corticosteroids and IVIG was ineffective, leading to rapid clinical deterioration.
  • Rescue therapy with eculizumab resulted in marked clinical improvement and minimal symptom expression.
  • This case represents the first reported use of eculizumab for tislelizumab-related MMM overlap syndrome.

Clinical Implications

Eculizumab may offer a promising rescue treatment for patients experiencing severe ICI-related MMM overlap syndrome, particularly when conventional therapies fail. Clinicians should consider its use in similar cases to improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

The successful application of eculizumab in this case suggests it could be a valuable option for treating ICI-MMM, warranting further investigation in prospective studies.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Clinical Rheumatology, 2017 -- Tocilizumab Improves Cerebral Vasculopathy in a Patient with Homozygous Mutation of SAMHD1
  2. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Successful treatment of refractory focal eosinophilic myositis with extra-ocular muscle involvement using tocilizumab: a case report
  3. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Case Report: Anti-LGI1 encephalitis during FcRn inhibition with efgartigimod for myasthenia gravis: implications for the limitations of IgG recycling blockade
  4. Drugs - Real World Outcomes -- Clinical Insights from the Use of Eculizumab in Myasthenia Gravis: Analysis of Acute Events and Healthcare Resource Use in the US
  5. Frontiers, 2025 -- Management of immune-related myocarditis, myositis and myasthenia gravis (MMM) overlap syndrome: a single institution case series and literature review
  6. NCCN Guidelines® Insights, 2024 -- Management of Immunotherapy-Related Toxicities, Version 2.2024
  7. Safety and efficacy of eculizumab in anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive refractory generalised myasthenia gravis (REGAIN): a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study
  8. Frontiers | Management of immune-related myocarditis, myositis and myasthenia gravis (MMM) overlap syndrome: a single institution case series and literature review
  9. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Management of Immunotherapy-Related Toxicities, Version 2.2024 - PubMed
  10. Safety and efficacy of eculizumab in anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive refractory generalised myasthenia gravis (REGAIN): a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study - PubMed

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