Metastatic Melanoma Treatment with Pembrolizumab after Hypersensitivity Reaction to Nivolumab: A Case Report

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Alyssa Rose Cruse, Emory University; Alexa J. Basilio, Emory University; David H. Lawson, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2023-12
• Publisher: Karger
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2023 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): https://doi.org/10.1159%2F000534023
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Case Reports in Oncology
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: 1232
• End Page: 1236
• Grant/Funding Information: There are no funding sources to disclose.
• Keywords: Programmed death protein-1 checkpoint inhibitors; Hypersensitivity; Case report
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Oncology

Abstract

Programmed death protein-1 (PD-1) checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab are cornerstones to metastatic melanoma treatment, and they are often considered to be pharmacologically similar and interchangeable when it comes to designing chemotherapy regimens. In this case report, we describe a patient who had consistent immune reactions to nivolumab infusion but was able to tolerate pembrolizumab, without any reactions, when given hydrocortisone premedication. This case demonstrates a successful transition from one PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor to another with resolution of infusion-related reactions in a patient undergoing treatment for metastatic melanoma.