Checkpoint Inhibitor Pneumonitis Induced by Programmed Death-1 Antibody: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) are effective treatment therapies for majority advanced tumours. However, the immune-related Adverse Events (irAEs) triggered by ICIs may affect human organs, including skin, lungs, pituitary, thyroid, blood and digestive system, leading to immunotoxicity in these organs. Checkpoint Inhibitor Pneumonitis (CIP) is one of the irAEs that could cause mortality, thereby needs special attention from the clinical physicians. In the present manuscript, the CIP occurred in a unilateral lung in one patient case with advanced oesophageal cancer treated with anti-PD-1 was analysed. Furthermore, a literature review was conducted to investigate its pathogenesis, clinical features, associated risk factors, prevention and the correlation with ICI efficacy, providing valuable information for clinical physicians.