To treat or not to treat: A rare case of response to pembrolizumab-based immunotherapy-chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer with acute liver failure due to multiple bile duct metastases

Successful treatment with nivolumab in a patient with gastric cancer with severe liver failure resulting from multiple liver metastases: A case report

Gastric cancer (GC) is a globally prevalent and deadly malignancy often diagnosed at advanced stages, which can be accompanied by liver metastases. Conventional chemotherapy is contraindicated in patients with severe liver failure because several chemotherapeutic agents are metabolized by the liver. The present study reports on the successful use of nivolumab in a patient with advanced GC and severe liver failure owing to multiple liver metastases. A 57-year-old man was admitted to Shimane Prefectural Central Hospital (Izumo, Japan) with a 2-week history of appetite loss and jaundice. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed advanced GC (type IV). Computed tomography examination confirmed wall thickening of the gastric pylorus and the presence of multiple liver metastases. A gastric mucosal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of HER2-positive gastric adenocarcinoma. S-1 + cisplatin chemotherapy was initiated but had to be halted due to the rapid deterioration in liver function, ultimately leading to acute liver failure. The patient was discharged from the hospital under palliative care. The patient was referred to Shimane University Hospital (Izumo, Japan) for a second consultation. Upon admission, the patient presented with severe liver failure, a Child-Pugh score of 10 (Class C), elevated total bilirubin levels of 13.9 mg/dl (normal range: <1.8 mg/dl) and elevated CEA and CA19-9. Nivolumab treatment was initiated, and notably, there was a substantial reduction in bilirubin levels, an improvement in liver function after a single cycle and a partial response observed in imaging studies. Despite the initial poor prognosis, the patient achieved long-term survival, ultimately succumbing to the illness 2 years and 6 months following the initiation of treatment. The present case underscores the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as nivolumab, in the treatment of patients with cancer and severe liver failure. It also challenges the conventional constraints of chemotherapy, offering a promising direction for future research in this area.

Effects of hepatic or renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of immune checkpoint inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become the cornerstone in treating many solid and hematological cancers. The ICIs, including anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), anti-programed cell death 1 (PD-1), and anti-programed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies, have significantly improved the prognosis of cancer patients. Meanwhile, the incidence of hepatic or renal impairment in cancer patients is increasing. However, data about the efficacy and safety of ICIs in patients with hepatic or renal impairment are limited. In this review, we characterize and summarize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of ICIs as well as the effects of hepatic or renal function on the PK of ICIs, and provide specific recommendations for clinicians when prescribing ICIs in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.

Immunotherapy Versus Hospice: Treatment Decision-Making in the Modern Era of Novel Cancer Therapies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Modern advances in cancer treatment with immunotherapy have created substantial hope for patients and oncologists alike due to a new possibility of durable response which can verge on "cure." This, in combination with a more favorable toxicity profile, has led many oncologists to consider immunotherapy for patients who might have previously been recommended for hospice. In this narrative review, we discuss (1) the risks and benefits of immunotherapy in patients with far advanced cancer in the last months of life, (2) the role of supportive and palliative care, and (3) how to navigate complex treatment decisions for these patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Unfortunately, data on immunotherapy outcomes for patients with poor performance status and far advanced disease are quite limited. Where available, studies consistently report poorer survival outcomes compared to patients with preserved performance status. However, a minority of patients (15-30%) may achieve at least partial response with immunotherapy, which can be quite durable. Such prognostic uncertainty leads to additional challenges in treatment discussions and decision-making. Given such prognostic uncertainty, clinicians should individualize treatment with consideration for all the various factors that may inform each patient's expected outcome with immunotherapy. Early involvement of palliative care in the disease trajectory can help patients with advanced cancer to optimize their quality of life, improve illness understanding, navigate prognostic uncertainty, and facilitate complex decision-making regarding cancer treatments. With upfront, open discussions of immunotherapy expectations, oncologists can help ensure treatments are aligned with patient goals and optimize value outcomes.