%0 Journal Article
%T Polymyalgia rheumatica due to pembrolizumab therapy
%A Andrew Hwang
%A Andrew Iskandar
%A Constantin A Dasanu
%J Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice
%@ 1477-092X
%D 2019
%R 10.1177/1078155218800386
%X Pembrolizumab is a humanized anti-programmed cell death 1 antibody used for the therapy of several malignancies. While autoimmune adverse events are not uncommon with this agent, they are typically mild and self-limiting. Severe autoimmunity is rare but can be life-threatening. Herein, we describe a unique case of severe proximal muscle weakness and joint pain shortly after beginning therapy with pembrolizumab. Work-up revealed elevated pro-inflammatory markers leading to the diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica. Steroids allowed for resolution of the joint pain. We call for awareness of this rare autoimmune toxicity with pembrolizumab
%K Autoimmune
%K cancer
%K immune checkpoint inhibitors
%K pembrolizumab
%K polymyalgia rheumatica
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1078155218800386