Acute Tuberculosis Infection Concomitant with Nivolumab Treatment in a Patient with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Nivolumab, a fully human immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) monoclonal antibody PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor and other immune checkpoint inhibitors are used to promote activation of anti-tumor immuno response in the fight against cancer. Recently published case reports raised awareness on a particular adverse effect of immunothrapy: reactivation of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. This case report describes a 67-year old Caucasian male who presented with concomitant tuberculosis infection of the pleura and pericardium with nivolumab therapy for non-small cell lung cancer. He received antituberculous treatment, with favorable evolution. With no available guidelines for the management of tuberculosis during PD-1/PD-L1 blockade, a high index of suspicion should exist when the evolution of the patient takes an unexpected turn. This approach should be applied especially in countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis.