Immune-related pancreatitis associated with checkpoint blockade in melanoma

We present a patient who developed an immune-related pancreatitis within the first 4 months of immunotherapy. Treatment with high dose systemic glucocorticosteroids with very slow tapering over a total period of 6.5 months was necessary to keep the patient symptom free as well as to maintain long-term normalization of serum lipase. Checkpoint blockade related pancreatitis may occur as acute or chronic disease and may lack any radiographic signs. As in our case, very slow tapering of initially high dose systemic glucocorticosteroids seems to be a crucial requirement for lasting recovery. Even after successful treatment, late-onset secondary pancreatic insufficiency may occur and patients have to be followed up at regular intervals. Restarting immunotherapy after resolution of immune-related pancreatitis is possible but needs careful risk-benefit consideration.
Source: Melanoma Research - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Short Communications: Clinical Research Source Type: research