Hypercalcemia and Granulomatous-Like Lesions in a Patient with Melanoma after Treatment with Immunotherapy: Case Report

Abstract

Checkpoint inhibitors, a subset of immunotherapies, are effective treatment modalities for cancers such as melanoma. However, they are not without possible adverse effects. Drug-induced reactions may present with similar symptoms of sarcoidosis. We present the case of a 73-year-old female with a recent diagnosis of anorectal melanoma treated with checkpoint inhibitors who developed subsequent episodes of hypercalcemia. Her clinical symptoms along with her surgical cytology and radiologic results are characteristic of a drug-induced sarcoidosis-like reaction. With the increasing usage of immunotherapies in cancer treatment, it is important for clinicians to be aware of which patient population they are ideal for and possible adverse effects.