Nivolumab-induced large-duct cholangiopathy treated with ursodeoxycholic acid and tocilizumab

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has become a cornerstone in the management of many oncologic diseases. Although it is well tolerated in most patients, a wide spectrum of adverse events has been described as a result of immune system alteration. We present a case of a woman with metastatic bronchogenic adenocarcinoma who was initially thought to have immune-mediated hepatitis, but eventually discovered to have a rarely described immune-mediated cholangiopathy. Her cholangiopathy appeared to stabilize following ursodeoxycholic acid and tocilizumab after several lines of guideline-directed therapy. Awareness of this unique toxicity following immune checkpoint inhibitor, and potential treatment options may help clinicians manage this rare but serious complication.

Keywords: cholangiopathy; immune-related adverse event; nivolumab; tocilizumab; ursodeoxycholic acid.