Articles Vol. 67 No. Số CĐ12- Bệnh viện Ung bướu Nghệ An (2026) 14/08/2026

MANAGEMENT OF IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITOR-RELATED PNEUMONITIS IN PATIENTS WITH ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: A NARRATIVE REVIEW WITH 3 ILLUSTRATIVE CLINICAL CASES AT VIETNAM NATIONAL CANCER HOSPITAL

Nguyen Thu Phuong1,2, Tran Van Thuan3,4, Nguyen Nhat Tan1,2
1 Hanoi Medical University
2 Trường Đại học Y Hà Nội
3 Ministry of Health
4 Bộ Y tế
DOI: 10.52163/yhc.v67iCD12.6153
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Keywords
Esophageal cancer, immune checkpoint inhibitors, interstitial pneumonia, Pembrolizumab, immune-related adverse events.
Abstract

Objective: To synthesize updated evidence regarding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, management, and indications for immune checkpoint inhibitor rechallenge in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor related interstitial pneumonia.

Methods: A narrative review was performed based on a systematic search of studies published between 2018 and 2026. Three clinical cases treated in Vietnam National Cancer Hospital are presented to illustrate common scenarios encountered in routine practice.

Results: Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related interstitial pneumonia presents with highly heterogeneous clinical and radiological manifestations. Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment. The decision to resume immune checkpoint inhibitor should be carefully individualized.

Conclusions: Although rare, immune checkpoint inhibitor-related interstitial pneumonia is a treatment-altering complication that requires appropriate diagnostic work-up and therapeutic strategies.

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