Life-threatening multiorgan immune-related toxicities complicated by sepsis after anti-PD-1 therapy with complete tumor regression: a case report and literature review - Report - MDSpire

Life-threatening multiorgan immune-related toxicities complicated by sepsis after anti-PD-1 therapy with complete tumor regression: a case report and literature review

  • By

  • Jun Dong

  • Lijun Zhang

  • Lei Yu

  • Jun Wang

  • Jijie Huang

  • Xiaoyan Wu

  • Ping-An Wu

  • Suling Chen

  • Xixi Chen

  • Wenjuan Zhu

  • Yuan Qu

  • Jishi Li

  • Victor Ho Fun Lee

  • July 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Severe Multisystem Immune-Related Adverse Events with Concurrent Sepsis Following Anti-PD-1 Treatment

Overview

This case study presents a 73-year-old man who developed severe multisystem immune-related adverse events (irAEs) following anti-PD-1 therapy. The management involved a multidisciplinary approach, including corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like pembrolizumab are increasingly used in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, they can lead to severe irAEs that may affect multiple organ systems. Understanding and managing these adverse events is crucial.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data were provided in the article.

Key Findings

  • A 73-year-old male developed severe multisystem irAEs after a single dose of pembrolizumab and nab-paclitaxel.
  • Symptoms included Stevens–Johnson syndrome, renal failure, pneumonitis, and recurrent sepsis.
  • Multidisciplinary management included corticosteroids and two courses of IVIG.
  • The patient achieved complete tumor regression after one treatment cycle.
  • Organ function recovered, and the patient remained disease-free for 6 months.

Clinical Implications

This case emphasizes the need for rapid diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach in managing severe irAEs. The use of IVIG in cases where immunosuppression is complicated by infection risk is noted.

Conclusion

The case highlights the complexity of managing severe irAEs in patients receiving anti-PD-1 therapy.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Shankar et al., JAMA Oncology, 2020 -- Multisystem Immune-Related Adverse Events and Disease Outcomes Among Patients With NSCLC Treated With Immunotherapy
  2. Didona et al., Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Editorial: Exploring Cutaneous Drug-Related and Drug-Associated Adverse events: from Clinical Insights to Therapeutic Management
  3. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Multi-omics biomarkers for predicting resistance, hyperprogression, and immune-related toxicity during PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in lung cancer: a literature review
  4. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody combined with chemotherapy for porocarcinoma: a case report and literature review
  5. Pembrolizumab with or without chemotherapy in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: 5-year follow-up from the randomized phase III KEYNOTE-048 study - PubMed
  6. Cancer Care Ontario, 2026 -- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Toxicity Management - Clinical Practice Guideline
  7. Pembrolizumab with or without chemotherapy in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: 5-year follow-up from the randomized phase III KEYNOTE-048 study - PubMed
  8. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Toxicity Management - Clinical Practice Guideline
  9. Cardiotoxicity in cancer immunotherapy: a systematic review and global meta-analysis | Journal of Translational Medicine | Springer Nature Link

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