Hope, Cure, and Adverse Effects in Immunotherapy: Atezolizumab-Associated Encephalitis in Metastatic Small Cell Lung Cancer – A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Cancer immunotherapies have been revolutionary treatments in oncological disease. Such therapies include immune checkpoint inhibitors that target programmed cell death protein, ligands, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen (CTLA-4). Increased use has led to recognition of immune-related adverse events. Such events are often distinct from the typical adverse events of traditional cancer therapies. Immune-related adverse events are more commonly found to affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and endocrine system. The incidence of these adverse events remains low for central nervous system effects. This article describes a case of atezolizumab-associated encephalitis in a patient with metastatic small cell lung cancer.

Keywords

• cancer
• atezolizumab
• encephalitis
• immunotherapy
• immune checkpoint inhibitors