Recognising immunotherapy-induced meningoencephalitis: a case during treatment for primary metastatic melanoma of the bladder neck
BMJ Case Reports, 2022
Joel Grunhut, Shimron Brown, Jose Lutzky, Leor Skoczylas
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In brief
We report a man in his 70s who developed neurological changes after his second cycle of dual immunotherapy for primary metastatic melanoma of the bladder neck, a presentation of immunotherapy-induced meningoencephalitis.
Key findings
Immunotherapy-induced meningoencephalitis is a rare, seldom reported and potentially life-threatening adverse effect of cancer immunotherapy.
The patient developed neurological changes after his second treatment with dual immunotherapy.
As immunotherapy use expands, patients should be warned about this complication before treatment.
Abstract
Although novel immunotherapy has shown promise for patients with melanoma, a more activated state of the immune system may lead to adverse systemic effects. Immunotherapy-induced meningoencephalitis is a rare and seldom reported adverse effect of immunotherapy but with the expanding role of immunotherapy in cancer treatments it must be recognised. Patients receiving immunotherapy should receive a proper warning about the potential for this life-threatening condition. Herein, we report a patient in his 70s with neurological changes after his second treatment with dual immunotherapy for a primary metastatic melanoma of the bladder neck.
How to cite
Grunhut J, Brown S, Lutzky J, Skoczylas L. Recognising immunotherapy-induced meningoencephalitis: a case during treatment for primary metastatic melanoma of the bladder neck. BMJ Case Rep. 2022;15(7). doi:10.1136/bcr-2022-249411