Work

Case Report: Severe neutropenia induced by avelumab in a patient with Merkel cell carcinoma

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A 78-year-old woman with a history of follicular lymphoma treated with obinutuzumab and bendamustine developed Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) on her left forearm. After surgical excision, in-transit and lymph node metastases appeared within three weeks. Avelumab and radiotherapy were initiated, but severe neutropenia occurred after two doses, requiring G-CSF support and treatment discontinuation. Despite early cessation, metastatic lesions regressed. This case suggests that prior B-cell-directed therapy may increase the risk of hematologic toxicity with immune checkpoint inhibitors and that even short-term avelumab may induce a durable response in MCC.

Source: Frontiers in Immunology

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1672282

Authors: Eri Ohta, Kayo Yamamoto, Hitomi Fujimura, Natsuko Saito-Sasaki, Etsuko Okada, Yu Sawada

Institution: University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan

Language: English

Topic: Polyomavirus and related diseases

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801