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Pembrolizumab-induced Guillain-Barré syndrome in triple-negative breast cancer: A case report
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Pembrolizumab-induced Guillain-Barré syndrome in triple-negative breast cancer: A case report

Phani Bhavana Cherukuri, Muhammad Tayyeb, Sai Rakshith Gaddameedi, Doantrang Du and Trishala Meghal
World journal of clinical oncology, v 16(2), 97823
24 Feb 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5306/wjco.v16.i2.97823
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
url
https://doi.org/10.5306/wjco.v16.i2.97823View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access (License Unspecified),  Open

Abstract

Pembrolizumab Guillain-Barr & eacute; syndrome Triple-negative breast cancer Immune-related adverse events Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy High-dose steroids Case report
BACKGROUND The programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor pembrolizumab has become a key treatment for various cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer. However, it is associated with immune-related adverse events, including rare but serious neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). GBS is a potentially life-threatening autoimmune disorder characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis. We present a unique case of pembrolizumab-induced GBS to highlight the importance of recognizing this complication and managing it promptly in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. CASE SUMMARY A 69-year-old woman with a medical history of hypertension, anxiety, depression, and stage IIIB triple-negative breast cancer treated with pembrolizumab, carboplatin, and paclitaxel, presented to the emergency department with a 1-month history of tingling, lower extremity weakness, and shooting pain. Symptoms progressed to global weakness, ascending paralysis, and double vision. Neurological examination revealed significant lower extremity weakness and sensory deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine and cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed GBS. Initial treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin led to relapse, requiring additional intravenous immunoglobulin and high-dose glucocorticoids. The patient’s condition improved, pembrolizumab therapy was permanently discontinued, and she was discharged to a rehabilitation facility. CONCLUSION Pembrolizumab can induce GBS, necessitating early recognition, prompt diagnosis, and multidisciplinary management to prevent serious complications.

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Web of Science research areas
Oncology
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