Multiple autoimmune complications after a single dose of Pembrolizumab

Pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), is an important treatment for various malignancies. Unfortunately, it has also been associated with a wide array of immune-related adverse events. We present a unique case of a patient who received a single dose of pembrolizumab and subsequently developed multiple immune-mediated complications, including dermatitis, hepatitis, myositis, myocarditis, and myasthenia gravis

Bevacizumab and gastrointestinal perforations: A review from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database

BACKGROUND: Bevacizumab is used in the treatment of advanced malignancies and has a black box warning for gastrointestinal perforations. Despite this known side effect, there are no large descriptive series of patients who experience bevacizumab-induced gastrointestinal perforations. AIM: To review and describe post-market cases of bevacizumab-induced gastrointestinal perforation reported by healthcare professionals to the United States Food and Drug Association Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. METHODS: In total, 74 025 cases of bevacizumab-induced adverse drug reaction were reported to FAERS from January 1 2004 to July 6 2021. We identified 2874 cases of bevacizumab-induced gastrointestinal perforation. A total of 1375 cases were determined to contain complete patient demographic data after the removal of duplicates and were reviewed. Subgroup analysis was completed on gastro-oesophageal perforations given the lack of prior data. RESULTS: The average patient age was 61.9 ± 11.4 years. A total of 698 cases included descriptive locations of perforations with most occurring in the large intestine (385 cases, 55.2% of specifically described cases). Colorectal cancer was the most common indication for bevacizumab (691 cases, 50.3%) followed by ovarian cancer (197 cases, 14.3%) and non-small cell lung cancer (182 cases, 13.2%). Death was reported in 554 patients (40.3% of cases). Sixty-two cases of gastro-oesophageal perforation were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest collective descriptive study of bevacizumab-induced gastrointestinal perforations, and sheds light on this often fatal complication. We additionally identified and described a rare subgroup of patients experiencing bevacizumab-induced gastro-oesophageal perforation not previously described

Brentuximab-induced colitis in a non-stem-cell transplant patient

Many chemotherapeutic agents have been associated with drug-induced colitis (DIC). With newer agents\u27 expansion of approval as first-line therapy for common cancers, it is important to be cognizant of their association with DIC. We present a case of brentuximab-associated DIC in an elderly woman with CD30+ Hodgkin lymphoma. Brentuximab\u27s association with DIC was suspected by others in the literature, but a history of stem-cell transplant in them would blur the association with graft-vs-host disease. Lack of stem-cell transplant in our patient makes the link between brentuximab and DIC unambiguous

De-novo acute myeloid leukemia in a BRCA positive female with locally treated ductal carcinoma in situ

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is primarily a disease of older adults and can arise de novo, in relation to previous treatment or in the setting of underlying hematological disease. While it is known to arise from chemoradiation in the setting of breast cancer, little is known about the association between BRCA carriers and AML. We report a case of a young female BRCA carrier who develops de novo AML without prior chemoradiation treatment, and examine if there is a link between BRCA and developing leukemia

Cost Analysis of Implementing an Exercise Program for Fall and Fracture Prevention in Older Adults on Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy

Purpose: Falls have significant financial impact. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is associated with an increased risk of falls and fractures. Exercise programs have been shown to decrease risk of falls in the elderly population and are recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for patients over age 65 to reduce falls. Our study aimed to explore the potential financial benefit of implementing three different Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended exercise-based interventions for fall prevention (Tai Chi, Stepping On, and Otago Exercise Program) in ≥ 65-year-old patients on PPI therapy. Methods: A Markov model was developed to predict the financial implications of fall-related outcomes in the study population. Net cost of the intervention was deducted from the financial savings predicted for fall avoidance relative to the fall reduction conferred by the intervention. Sensitivity analysis was performed on a range of odds ratios between falling and PPI use. Results: Exercise-based interventions were found to offer financial savings when fall reduction rates exceeded 5%, irrespective of variable odds ratios between PPI use and fall rate. Hypothetical implementation of an exercise-based intervention for PPI users ≥ 65 years of age was estimated to result in annual fall- and fracture-related savings ranging from $10,317.35 to$18,766.28 per individual. Findings suggested an estimated annual reduction in U.S. health care costs of $18 billion to$85 billion. Conclusions: Implementing an exercise-based fall prevention program for elderly PPI users represents a possible strategy to mitigate health care costs in the United States. Future prospective studies are recommended

Black Cohosh and Liver Toxicity: Is There a Relationship?

Herbal supplements are commonly used by patients for various problems. It is a well-known fact that most patients do not tell their physicians about the use of herbal supplements unless they are specifically asked. As a result, sometimes important information regarding drug side effects is missed in history taking. During our literature search, we found several retrospective studies and other meta-analyses that claim a lacking or weak link between black cohosh use and hepatotoxicity. We present a case of a 44-year-old female who developed subacute liver injury demonstrated on a CT scan and liver biopsy within a month of using the drug to resolve her hot flashes and discuss a possible temporal and causal association between black cohosh use and liver disease. Since the patient was not taking any other drugs, we concluded that the acute liver injury was caused by the use of black cohosh. We agree with the United States Pharmacopeia recommendations that a cautionary warning about hepatotoxicity should be labeled on the drug package