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COVID-19 Vaccination Linked to Cytokine Release Syndrome in Cancer Patient

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A Japanese study reported a rare case of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) following COVID-19 vaccination in a patient with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing immunotherapy. The patient experienced high fever, consciousness loss, and brain inflammation after the third vaccination, which improved dramatically after steroid therapy. Researchers warn clinicians to be aware of the possibility of vaccine-induced adverse effects such as CRS.

Key Takeaways:

  • A 55-year-old man with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer developed CRS after receiving the third COVID-19 vaccination (mRNA-1273).
  • The patient experienced high fever, consciousness loss, and brain inflammation, but symptoms improved dramatically after steroid therapy.
  • Researchers warn clinicians to be aware of the possibility of vaccine-induced adverse effects such as CRS in patients undergoing immunotherapy.
  • CRS is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by the release of inflammatory cytokines.
  • The study highlights the importance of monitoring patients for adverse reactions after vaccination.
  • The patient's symptoms were caused by the interaction of the vaccine and immunotherapy, not the cancer itself.

Statistics:

  • 55-year-old patient was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer.
  • The patient had undergone immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab maintenance therapy.
  • The third COVID-19 vaccination (mRNA-1273) was administered on an unknown date.
  • CRS symptoms included high fever, consciousness loss, and brain inflammation.
  • Symptoms improved dramatically after steroid therapy.
  • 1 case of CRS reported in the study; the exact incidence rate is unknown.

Sources:

  • Cytokine Release Syndrome In a Patient With Non-small-cell Lung Cancer On Ipilimumab and Nivolumab Maintenance Therapy After Vaccination With the Mrna-1273 Vaccine: a Case Report. Translational Lung Cancer Research
  • Translational Lung Cancer Research, 2022;11(9):1973-1976
  • Ame Publ Co, Flat-Rm C 16F, Kings Wing Plaza 1, No 3 Kwan St, Shatin, Hong Kong 00000, Peoples R China
  • Toshiyuki Sumi, Hakodate Goryoukaku Hosp, Dept. of Pulmonary Medicine, 38-3 Goryoukaku Cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 0408611, Japan.

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