Immunotherapy-Induced Acute Hepatitis in the Elderly: The Case of a Patient with Urothelial Carcinoma and a Review of the Literature

Abstract

Cancer immunotherapy is an emerging beneficial treatment for cancer that acts by activating the immune system to produce antitumour effects. In particular, immune checkpoint therapy has recently provided novel strategies for cancer treatments. Nevertheless, these new therapeutic approaches have introduced immune-related adverse events to clinical practice. In the elderly, checkpoint inhibitors might have limited efficacy because of immunosenescence. Limited literature data demonstrate a higher incidence of irAEs and an earlier discontinuation of immunotherapy in these patients. We report the case of an 89-year-old male patient with metastatic urothelial carcinoma, who presented with Grade 4 immune-related hepatitis after receiving pembrolizumab treatment.

Keywords

• immunotherapy-related adverse events
• pembrolizumab
• immunotherapy-related hepatitis
• elderly