Atezolizumab-induced hemolytic anemia - A case report

Affiliations

Aurora BayCare Medical Center, Aurora Cancer Care

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Atezolizumab is currently the only immunotherapy used in conjunction with nab-paclitaxel for locally advanced or triple negative breast cancer. Limited data is available regarding hemolytic anemia as a side effect of atezolizumab.

CASE REPORT: We describe a 59-year-old female with a history of triple negative breast cancer with bone metastases presenting for follow up on Cycle 1, Day 15 of atezolizumab and nab-paclitaxel (100 mg/m2). Patient's complete blood count (CBC) showed macrocytic anemia, with further workup significant for autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) attributed to atezolizumab.

Management and outcome: Patient was started on a high dose prednisone taper starting at 80 mg daily for 16 days, folic acid 1 mg three times daily, iron sucrose, and darbepoetin alfa. Patient's counts recovered, and she was able to start Cycle 2 and continued through Cycle 10 without any additional pre-medications.

DISCUSSION: Hemolytic anemia induced by atezolizumab is a rare side effect that was successfully treated in this patient with a prednisone taper.

Document Type

Case Report

PubMed ID

32951522

Teammate Access

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