Limbic encephalitis in metastatic malignant melanoma patient induced by PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab

Abstract

This case report presents a patient with metastatic malignant melanoma who was treated with immunotherapy with the PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab and developed a rare neurological immune-related adverse event (irAE) limbic encephalitis. Despite successful treatment of irAE, the neurological deficit persisted. With this article, we would like to make all physicians aware of this rare but serious irAE that can occur at any time during treatment with a checkpoint inhibitor.

Keywords

• Metastatic melanoma
• Immunotherapy
• PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor
• Pembrolizumab
• Limbic encephalitis