Alexander D Sherry1, Michael Bezzerides1, Mohamed H Khattab2, Guozhen Luo2, Kristin K Ancell3, Austin N Kirschner4. 1. Vanderbilt University Medical School, Nashville, TN, USA. 2. Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2220 Pierce Avenue, PRB-B1003, Nashville, TN, USA. 3. Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. 4. Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2220 Pierce Avenue, PRB-B1003, Nashville, TN, USA. austin.kirschner@vumc.org.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Merkel cell carcinoma is highly sensitive to both radiation and immunotherapy. Moreover, concurrent radioimmunotherapy may capitalize on anti-tumor immune activity and improve Merkel cell treatment response, although an enhanced immune system may cross-react with native tissues and lead to significant sequelae. METHODS: Here we present a case study of a patient with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma treated with radiotherapy concurrent with pembrolizumab. RESULTS: After radioimmunotherapy, the patient developed sensory neuropathy, visual hallucinations, and mixed motor neuron findings. Neurologic dysfunction progressed to profound gastrointestinal dysmotility necessitating parenteral nutrition and intubation with eventual expiration. CONCLUSION: This case represents a unique autoimmune paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome, likely specific to neuroendocrine tumors and motivated by concurrent radioimmunotherapy. Recognition of the potential role of radioimmunotherapy may provide an advantage in anticipating these severe sequelae.
PURPOSE:Merkel cell carcinoma is highly sensitive to both radiation and immunotherapy. Moreover, concurrent radioimmunotherapy may capitalize on anti-tumor immune activity and improve Merkel cell treatment response, although an enhanced immune system may cross-react with native tissues and lead to significant sequelae. METHODS: Here we present a case study of a patient with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma treated with radiotherapy concurrent with pembrolizumab. RESULTS: After radioimmunotherapy, the patient developed sensory neuropathy, visual hallucinations, and mixed motor neuron findings. Neurologic dysfunction progressed to profound gastrointestinal dysmotility necessitating parenteral nutrition and intubation with eventual expiration. CONCLUSION: This case represents a unique autoimmune paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome, likely specific to neuroendocrine tumors and motivated by concurrent radioimmunotherapy. Recognition of the potential role of radioimmunotherapy may provide an advantage in anticipating these severe sequelae.
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