Open AccessCardiac Toxicity Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Author(s) -
Nikhil Agrawal,
Arjun Khunger,
Pankit Vachhani,
Teresa A. Colvin,
Alexander Hattoum,
Edward Spangenthal,
Anne B. Curtis,
Grace K. Dy,
Marc S. Ernstoff,
Igor Puzanov
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
case reports in oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.365
H-Index - 19
ISSN - 1662-6575
DOI - 10.1159/000498985
Subject(s) - medicine , myocarditis , fulminant , asymptomatic , adverse effect , cardiac toxicity , troponin , cardiotoxicity , toxicity , oncology , myocardial infarction
The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the treatment of patients with advanced stage cancers. However, immune-related adverse events are frequently observed. Cardiac toxicity from ICI therapy can range from asymptomatic troponin-I elevations to conduction abnormalities of the heart and even fulminant myocarditis. Although rare, myocarditis is a potentially fatal adverse effect of ICI therapy. We present a series of five cases of ICI-related cardio-toxicity diagnosed and managed at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center along with a review of published case reports in the literature. Our series highlights the importance of high clinical suspicion, early diagnosis of myocarditis, and prompt initiation of immunosuppressive therapy.