A rare case of nivolumab-related myasthenia gravis and myocarditis in a patient with metastatic gastric cancer

Abstract

Abstract Background Although rare, several immune-related adverse effects can be life-threatening. Here, we describe a metastatic gastric cancer patient presenting with nivolumab-related myasthenia gravis and myocarditis, a previously unreported adverse effect of gastric cancer treatment. Case presentation A 66-year-old man with metastatic gastric cancer visited the emergency department because of dizziness after the first dose of nivolumab. Diagnoses of nivolumab-related myasthenia gravis and myocarditis were established. Myocardial biopsy results and anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody positivity confirmed the diagnoses. Despite plasma exchange and intravenous methylprednisolone and immunoglobulin administration, the patient’s general condition gradually worsened, and he died. Conclusions Strict monitoring for cardiac and neuromuscular symptoms after nivolumab administration is necessary to rapidly treat these adverse effects.

Keywords

• Gastric cancer
• Nivolumab
• Myocarditis
• Myasthenia gravis
• Programmed cell death-1 receptor