Case study illustrates effective management of immunotherapy-induced diarrhoea in an elderly lung cancer patient, implying the need for personalized care approaches.
While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionised the treatment of several cancers, they can also cause immune-related adverse events (IRAEs), including diarrhoea and colitis. Prompt recognition and treatment of IRAEs is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing life-threatening complications. This article discusses how a nurse-led cancer treatment unit diagnosed and treated immunotherapy-induced diarrhoea and colitis in an 80-year-old man with lung cancer receiving immunotherapy with the ICI pembrolizumab. It highlights the importance of using person-centred communication when interacting with patients; of educating patients regarding treatment-induced adverse events and when to contact the clinical team; of conducting systematic assessments and thorough investigations to determine the cause of symptoms; and of identifying patients’ psychological and social needs. More research is needed to establish whether patients who experience IRAEs should be re-exposed to immunotherapy.
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Isabel Stewart (2026) studied this question.
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