Case Report: Long-term maternal and neonatal outcomes after nivolumab therapy in metastatic tonsillar sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma - Report - MDSpire

Case Report: Long-term maternal and neonatal outcomes after nivolumab therapy in metastatic tonsillar sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma

  • By

  • Elisabetta Guida

  • Benedetta Apollonio

  • Chiara Bungaro

  • Fabio Mele

  • Sabino Strippoli

  • Michele Guida

  • June 16, 2026

  • 0 min

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Long-term Outcomes for Mothers and Newborns Following Nivolumab Treatment

Overview

This case study reports successful maternal and fetal outcomes following nivolumab treatment in a young woman with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. Despite the known risks of immunotherapy during pregnancy, the patient experienced an uneventful pregnancy and healthy delivery.

Background

Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has transformed cancer treatment, yet its effects on pregnancy and fertility remain poorly understood. The FDA categorizes anti-PD-1 therapies like nivolumab as pregnancy category D, indicating potential risks to fetal health. Understanding these implications is crucial for managing cancer in reproductive-age patients.

Data Highlights

Incorporate qualitative insights or observations from the case study to provide context.

Key Findings

  • A 17-year-old woman with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma successfully carried a pregnancy to term after nivolumab treatment.
  • The patient had a near complete radiological response to nivolumab before discovering her pregnancy.
  • She received gynecological and psychological support during her pregnancy.
  • The newborn exhibited normal development and the patient breastfed without adverse effects.
  • 32 months after delivery, the patient developed a new lung recurrence, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring.

Clinical Implications

Highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing pregnant patients on immunotherapy.

Conclusion

Expand the conclusion to stress the necessity for ongoing research into long-term maternal and fetal outcomes.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The ASCO Post, February 25, 2017 -- New Analysis of CheckMate 057: Search Continues for Predictors of Outcome With Nivolumab
  2. The ASCO Post, May 10, 2017 -- Five-Year Survival Quadrupled in Responders to Immunotherapy for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
  3. The ASCO Post, November 25, 2015 -- Checkmate 057: Nivolumab Improves Survival vs Docetaxel in Advanced Nonsquamous Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
  4. The ASCO Post, August 25, 2025 -- Nivolumab Added to Chemoradiotherapy Reduced Recurrence Risk in High-Risk Head and Neck Cancer
  5. Nivolumab for Recurrent Squamous-Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck - PubMed
  6. The ASCO Post, January 25, 2026 -- New ASCO Guideline Addresses Management of Cancer During Pregnancy, From Diagnosis Through Survivorship
  7. Nivolumab for Recurrent Squamous-Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck - PubMed
  8. New ASCO Guideline Addresses Management of Cancer During Pregnancy, From Diagnosis Through Survivorship - The ASCO Post

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