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Case Reports
. 2024;16(12):803-811.
doi: 10.1080/1750743X.2024.2362566. Epub 2024 Jun 18.

Pembrolizumab in an HIV-infected patient with glioblastoma

Carlen A Yuen  1 , Silin Bao  2 , Melike Pekmezci  3 , Fan Mo  2 , Xiao-Tang Kong  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Pembrolizumab in an HIV-infected patient with glioblastoma

Carlen A Yuen et al. Immunotherapy. 2024.

Abstract

Persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) carry increased risk for developing malignancies, including glioblastoma. Despite extensive investigations, both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and glioblastoma are incurable. Treatment for a patient with combined glioblastoma and HIV remains an unexplored need. Preliminary evidence suggests that immunotherapy may be effective for the simultaneous treatment of both HIV and cancer by reversing HIV latency and T cell exhaustion. We present a case of glioblastoma in a PLWH who was treated with pembrolizumab. Treatment was well tolerated and safe with a mixed response. Our patient did not develop any opportunistic infections, immune-related adverse events, or worsening of his immunodeficiency. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a PLWH and glioblastoma treated with immunotherapy.

Keywords: HIV; HIV latency; HIV reservoir; PD-1; cancer disparities; glioblastoma; human immunodeficiency virus; immunotherapy; pembrolizumab; programmed cell death 1 inhibitor.

Plain language summary

Persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) are at increased risk for cancers, including glioblastoma. Despite extensive research, both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and glioblastoma are incurable. The optimal treatment for concurrent HIV and glioblastoma is unknown. Early evidence suggests that immunotherapy can deplete residual HIV and restore immune function. We present a case of glioblastoma in a PLWH treated with immunotherapy. Treatment was well tolerated and safe. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a PLWH and glioblastoma treated with immunotherapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

X-T Kong: Received honorarium from Zai Lab for invited speeches for symposiums prior to July of 2021. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

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