A case of enteritis induced by ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy

Abstract

A 65-year-old man with a history of left renal cell carcinoma 25 years ago underwent left nephrectomy and was regularly followed up. Last year, positron emission tomography showed mediastinal lymph node enlargement. Bronchoscopic biopsy revealed cancer recurrence and metastasis. We administered ipilimumab (1 mg/kg) and nivolumab (4 mg/kg) combination therapy. A week later, he developed diarrhea and abdominal pain. Colonoscopy revealed a reddish edematous mucosa with erosions and ulcers from the terminal ileum to the ileocecal valve (Fig. 1A, B). Terminal ileum biopsy revealed lamina propria by inflammatory cell infiltration; however, no crypt abscess or apoptotic bodies were observed. The colon and esophagogastroduodenoscopy findings were normal (Figure 1C, D). Small intestinal capsule endoscopy revealed redness and edema in the jejunum (Figure 2 upper). From the deep jejunum to the ileum, and further into the ileum, common villi, erosions, and ulcers became apparent (Figure 2 lower). Tests for stool bacteria, cytomegalovirus, and other viruses were negative. Therefore, his condition was diagnosed with immune-related enteritis. His symptoms did not improve after stopping ipilimumab and nivolumab. Treatment with predonisolone 40 mg/day immediately improved his symptoms.