Volume 20, Issue 2 pp. 315-318
CASE REPORT

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in a patient with oncogene-addicted metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following combination chemotherapy-immunotherapy

Sarah Heynemann

Corresponding Author

Sarah Heynemann

Department of Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia

Correspondence

Sarah Heynemann, C/- Department of Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, 119-143 Missenden Rd, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.

Email: [email protected]

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Vinay Vanguru

Vinay Vanguru

Department of Haematology, Royal Prince Alfred, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia

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Stephen Adelstein

Stephen Adelstein

Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia

Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia

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Steven Kao

Steven Kao

Department of Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia

Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia

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First published: 23 December 2022
Citations: 1

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are utilized in a variety of clinical settings for the management of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC). While any organ may be subject to immune-related adverse events (irAEs) as a consequence of ICI therapy, hematological irAEs are uncommon. We describe a scenario involving a patient with oncogene-addicted mNSCLC who experienced the rare, life-threatening complication of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and cytokine release syndrome following the receipt of the IMPower150 regimen (carboplatin/paclitaxel/atezolizumab/bevacizumab) after progression on initial tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Malignancy-associated HLH, while previously described, is more typically associated with hematological rather than solid cancers and has only very recently been reported among patients receiving ICIs. While identification of hemophagocytosis on bone marrow examination is pathognomonic, this feature is not essential for confirming a diagnosis of HLH. Prompt recognition of suspicious laboratory and clinical features by medical oncologists and engagement with other relevant disciplines is hence critical to ensure optimal management of the condition.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

SK: Served on advisory boards: AZ, Pfizer, Roche, BMS, MSD, Takeda. Honorarium to institution: MSD, BMS, Roche, AZ, Pfizer, Boeringher. Travel support: BMS, Roche, AZ, Boeringher. SA: Served on advisory boards: Takeda Pharmaceuticals Australia. Practitioner member, Medical Board of Australia. Member, Australian Health Ethics Committee (NHMRC). Shares in: CSL Limited, Sonic Pathology. SH/VV: Nil disclosures to report.

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.

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