Rare Adverse Events Related to Nivolumab, an Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor: A Case Series

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a novel class of immunotherapy drugs that have improved the prognosis of melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, urothelial carcinoma, and various other solid tumors. Nivolumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that acts by inhibiting programmed death. Its use is associated with significant immune-related adverse events, such as pneumonitis, thyroiditis, hepatitis, pruritus, vitiligo, and diarrhea. However, adrenal insufficiency and checkpoint inhibitor-related autoimmune diabetes mellitus are extremely rare adverse events related to nivolumab treatment. Here, we are highlighting cases of adrenal insufficiency and diabetes inspidus as a result of nivolumab. These rare adverse events in our case series are to raise awareness that this medication also may be the cause for this illness among oncologists, endocrinologists, internists, and other clinicians.