Open AccessPembrolizumab‐induced myasthenia gravis with myositis and presumable myocarditis in a patient with bladder cancer
Author(s) -
Todo Maki,
Kaneko Gou,
Shirotake Suguru,
Shimada Yuki,
Nakano Shintaro,
Okabe Takashi,
Ishikawa Shiho,
Oyama Masafumi,
Nishimoto Koshiro
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
iju case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2577-171X
DOI - 10.1002/iju5.12128
Subject(s) - pembrolizumab , medicine , myasthenia gravis , myositis , myocarditis , creatine kinase , bladder cancer , prednisolone , gemcitabine , cancer , gastroenterology , immunotherapy
Pembrolizumab cause immune‐related adverse events. We herein report a case of advanced bladder cancer, who treated with pembrolizumab and exhibited intriguing clinical course. Case presentation A 63‐year‐old man with bladder carcinoma was treated by radical cystectomy, however, the bladder carcinoma recurred and invaded to the rectum. He was treated by combination therapy using gemcitabine and cisplatin, which were not effective for the tumor. He subsequently underwent treatment with pembrolizumab. In several 30 days, he suffered from the symptoms of myasthenia gravis. Serum levels of creatine kinase, its isozyme creatine kinase‐myocardial band, and troponin I were elevated. Electrocardiography showed a right bundle branch block. These findings suggested that he was myasthenia gravis with general myositis and presumable myocarditis. Oral prednisolone administration significantly attenuated these findings. The tumor drastically shrunk only by the single injection of pembrolizumab. Conclusion Early intervention with corticosteroid was effective for neuromuscular complications due to pembrolizumab.