JAK Inhibitor Upadacitinib Induces Remission in Refractory Immune-Related Colitis Triggered by CTLA-4 and PD-1 Inhibitor Combination Therapy in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Case Report

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy against various cancers; however, there is a rising incidence of immune-related colitis. Some cases of immune-related colitis prove resistant to treatment, even with the administration of glucocorticoids or infliximab, and there is currently no established standard treatment for such cases.

Case

The patient, a 73-year-old male, had undergone combination therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma for 2 years, utilizing both ipilimumab (a CTLA-4 inhibitor) and nivolumab (a PD-1 inhibitor). Unfortunately, the treatment led to side effects, specifically immune-related adverse event (irAE) enterocolitis. Steroid and infliximab treatment failed to improve the patient's condition. Treatment with tacrolimus was attempted, but the patient remained unresponsive. Subsequently, 45 mg of upadacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, was administered. Symptoms improved rapidly following upadacitinib administration, and endoscopy also revealed positive results. With the increasing incidence of immune-related colitis, some patients have become resistant to treatment with glucocorticoids and infliximab. In this case, the irAE enterocolitis was improved by upadacitinib administration.

Conclusion

In cases where immune-related colitis proves resistant to treatment with glucocorticoids, infliximab, or tacrolimus, upadacitinib represents a potential option as a JAK inhibitor.