Failure of the PD-1 blocking agent pembrolizumab to benefit a patient with renal squamous cell cancer
  • Salman Khan
    Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, USA
  • Ekrem Yetiskul
    Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, USA
  • Georges Khattar
    Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, USA
  • Araji Ghada
    Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, USA
  • Sarah Afif
    Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, USA
  • Malik Waleed Zeb Khan
    Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
  • Umesh Manchandani
    Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, USA

Keywords

Squamous cell carcinoma, renal cancer, PD-L1, pembrolizumab, neoplasm

Abstract

Introduction: Renal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a neoplasm with an extremely rare occurrence compared to other renal malignancies. The classic presentation includes a palpable mass and flank pain; however, the presentation is seldom non-specific. Our study describes the significance of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in renal cancer and its association with clinical outcomes, alongside available treatment options.
Case description: An 80-year-old female with a history of hypertension and cerebral aneurysm presented with right flank pain and blood in urine and was diagnosed with pyelonephritis and left renal mass/phlegmon. A biopsy revealed SCC of the kidney with metastasis to the lung and aortocaval lymph node. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan confirmed malignancy in the kidney and lung. Treatment with pemrolizumab and carboplatin plus paclitaxel was initiated but poorly tolerated as the haemoglobin dropped rapidly.
Conclusion: SCC poses a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and non-specific symptoms, often leading to advanced stage diagnosis. PD-L1 expression is pivotal in assessing tumour aggressiveness and prognosis. PD-L1 inhibitors offer promise, but their efficacy in renal SCC warrants further investigation. Radical nephrectomy and systemic chemotherapy show potential in advanced cases, necessitating vigilant management of treatment-related side effects. This case emphasises the need for ongoing research to refine therapeutic approaches and enhance outcomes in renal SCC patients.

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    Published: 2024-06-27
    Issue: 2024: LATEST ONLINE (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Khan S, Yetiskul E, Khattar G, Ghada A, Afif S, Khan MWZ, Manchandani U. Failure of the PD-1 blocking agent pembrolizumab to benefit a patient with renal squamous cell cancer. EJCRIM 2024;11 doi:10.12890/2024_004619.

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