Severe Diarrhea in the Setting of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) are novel therapeutic agents targeting a variety of cancers by enhanced T cell activation. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) commonly occur with ICPI use and can affect multiple organ systems including the gastrointestinal tract. Due to irAEs, the use of ICPIs is limited in autoimmune diseases. We present a case of microscopic colitis diagnosed after the initiation of nivolumab and a case of ipilimumab colitis and Clostridium difficile in the setting of Crohn’s colitis.

Keywords

• Diarrhea
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors
• Microscopic colitis
• Ipilimumab colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Clostridium difficile