Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed death protein-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte-antigen-4 (CTLA-4) have revolutionized the treatment of various cancers [1] [2]. Indeed, the widespread use of ICIs has led to remarkable clinical outcomes, with complete remissions and sustained clinical responses seen in some patients with previously refractory cancers such as metastatic melanoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma [3] [4].

However, activating immune system to fight cancer can also lead to immune related adverse events (irAEs) [3] [5].

These irAEs typically involve the skin, intestines, and endocrine system but virtually all organs can be affected [6]. While colitis, hepatitis, pneumonitis and other IRAEs are well documented, irAEs with rheumatologic and musculoskeletal phenotypes are less well described [7] [8].

We reported a case of polyarthritis that developed after treatment with Pembrolizumab, an ICI targeting PD-1.

A 43-year-old white woman was referred to our department for a management of acute polyarthritis. She was followed for a superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) of the right leg diagnosed in 2009 and managed by surgery and skin grafting. In May 2018, she had a relapse of his cancer with metastatic lymph node localization of stage IIIb malignant melanoma. Adenectomy and lymph node cleaning were performed and a therapy with ICIby Pembrolizumab has been started. Three days after receiving her 4th cycle of Pembrolizumab, she developed pain and swelling in her knees and ankles. His other complaints were severe physical asthenia and anorexia and dry eyes. There was no fever and she had no history of inflammatory rheumatism.

The physical examination revealed polyarthritis with swelling, warmth and painful limitation of both knees and ankles. Examination of the other joints was normal. Ophthalmological assessment showed keratitis.

Laboratory evaluation was summarized in Table 1.

Plain radiographs of the hands and the feet were normal. Musculoskeletal ultrasound showed effusion in the suprapatellar recess of the knees and in the tibiotalar joints (Figure 1) with a tenosynovitis in the lateral compartment tendons (peroneal tendons).

We performed the puncture of the left tibiotalar joint, under ultrasound-guidance with evacuation of 5 ml of yellow fluid. The white blood cell count was 10⁵/mm³ without bacteria and microcrystal.

Pembrolizumab was discontinued by her oncologist and she was treated by 20 mg of prednisone daily with a good clinical improvement in arthritis.

ICIs that block CTLA-4, PD1 or PD-L1 are expanding treatment options and increasing survival for patients in selected advanced cancers. Thus, multiples agents targeting CTLA-4 (Ipilimumab), PD1 (Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab) or his ligand

PD-L1 (Atezolizumab) have been approved for a variety of indications including metastatic melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, head and neck cancers and urothelial carcinoma [9] [10].

The adverse events secondary to these molecules are related to their mechanisms of action [11]. Indeed, in the absence of cancer, both CTLA-4 and PD1 play a regulatory role of the interaction between T-cells and self, versus non-self-antigens [10]. Therapeutic blockade of these pathways results in a disruption of the balance between tolerance and immunity. This disruption leads to clinical manifestations widely called irAEs in the literature, which are toxicities that are autoimmune or autoinflammatory in origin [9]. Other authors have proposed the terminology of opportunistic autoimmunity secondary to cancer immunotherapy (OASI) [12].

These irAREs occur more frequently with anti-CTLA 4 than anti-PD1 [9] [10]. We reported a case of polyarthritis, tenosynovitis and sicca syndrome induced by Pembrolizumab. This presentation is unusual. Diarrhea, asthenia, itching and rash are the most common irAEs associated with Pembrolizumab in the literature [6]. Rheumatologic irAEs (Rh-irAEs) had been reported with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations including arthralgias, myalgias, inflammatory arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis-like, polymyalgia rheumatica-like, lupus-like sicca syndrome, myositis and vasculitis [3] [13]. We described a case of polyarthritis that were reported only on five clinical trials with a range of 1% - 7% in the meta-analysis of Capelli et al. Dry eyes were most commonly reported with a range of incidence of 3% - 24% In this study, two cases of polyarthritis and tenosynovitis after treatment of Pembrolizumabsimilar to our observation, have been also reported [7]. Time to onset of polyarthritis is generally 4 - 8 weeks after initiation of ICIs, however they have been reported after one dose or up two years after receiving these therapies [3] [14]. In the majority of cases, the auto-antibodies are negative, although Rheumatoid Factor (RF) or anti-citrullinated cyclic peptide positive cases have been reported [3] [15]. In our observation RF was positive with a low titer; other auto-antibodies were negative.

Rh-irAES are managed according to severity assessed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grading system [10]. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Corticosteroids, conventional synthetic anti-rheumatic drugs (e.g. methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide) and anti-cytokine therapies (e.g. Infliximab or Tocilizumab) can be used in the management of Rh-IRAEs [1]. Temporary discontinuation of Pembrolizumab and corticosteroid were effective in our patient. The main limitation of our work is its nature which not allow draw definitive conclusion. However, this case report should contribute to a better knowledge of Rh-irAEs.

ICIs have revolutionized the cancer therapy. Despite their effectiveness, ICIs can cause IRAEs such as Rh-irAEs.

Polyarthritis with tenosynovitis and dry eyes are rare complications of Pembrolizumab.

They require the collaboration of oncologists and rheumatologists or internists to limit diagnostic delay and for an appropriate therapeutic choice.

The management is according to their severity. Corticosteroid remains the mainstay therapy for acute irAEs.

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Written informed consent for publication was obtained from the patients.

Kane, B.S., Ould-Hennia, A., Karaa-Zbidi, N., Ndongo, S., Pouye, A. and Damade, R. (2020) Polyarthritis, Tenosynovitis and Dry Eyes after Treatment by Immune Check-Point Inhibitors. Open Journal of Rheumatology and Autoimmune Diseases, 10, 8-13. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojra.2020.101002