From Inoperable to Remission: Complete Response in Advanced Thymoma <scp>B3</scp> With Immunotherapy—A Case Report

Thymoma is a rare thymic epithelial tumour, often detected incidentally on imaging. We report a 30-year-old female presenting with cough and chest discomfort, whose evaluation revealed a large anterior mediastinal mass compressing the heart and superior vena cava. Histopathology confirmed type B3 thymoma. The patient underwent thymectomy with residual disease, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and prolonged pembrolizumab immunotherapy. Serial imaging demonstrated marked tumour regression, with residual metabolically inactive tissue on PET scan, consistent with non-viable remnants. This favourable outcome is notable given the incomplete (R2) resection, where prognosis is typically poor. The case illustrates the effectiveness of a multimodal approach incorporating immune checkpoint blockade in advanced thymoma, an area with limited clinical evidence. Reports on pembrolizumab use after incomplete thymectomy remain limited in the global literature, and this case highlights its potential role in extending disease control and improving outcomes in aggressive thymoma.

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Journal
Respirology Case Reports
Published
2025-12-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/rcr2.70433
Primary Topic
Myasthenia Gravis and Thymoma
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

From Inoperable to Remission: Complete Response in Advanced Thymoma B3 With Immunotherapy—A Case Report

Isnin Anang Marhana, Alfian Nur Rosyid, Dharmaning Estu Wirastyo
Respirology Case Reports
Myasthenia Gravis and Thymoma
article

From Inoperable to Remission: Complete Response in Advanced Thymoma B3 With Immunotherapy—A Case Report

Isnin Anang Marhana, Alfian Nur Rosyid, Dharmaning Estu Wirastyo
article en

Abstract

Thymoma is a rare thymic epithelial tumour, often detected incidentally on imaging. We report a 30-year-old female presenting with cough and chest discomfort, whose evaluation revealed a large anterior mediastinal mass compressing the heart and superior vena cava. Histopathology confirmed type B3 thymoma. The patient underwent thymectomy with residual disease, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and prolonged pembrolizumab immunotherapy. Serial imaging demonstrated marked tumour regression, with residual metabolically inactive tissue on PET scan, consistent with non-viable remnants. This favourable outcome is notable given the incomplete (R2) resection, where prognosis is typically poor. The case illustrates the effectiveness of a multimodal approach incorporating immune checkpoint blockade in advanced thymoma, an area with limited clinical evidence. Reports on pembrolizumab use after incomplete thymectomy remain limited in the global literature, and this case highlights its potential role in extending disease control and improving outcomes in aggressive thymoma.

Respirology Case ReportsVol. 13(12)
Universitas Airlangga (ID)
Universitas Airlangga
Openalex Percentile: Top 46%
Myasthenia Gravis and Thymoma
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From Inoperable to Remission: Complete Response in Advanced Thymoma <scp>B3</scp> With Immunotherapy—A Case Report — Isnin Anang Marhana, Alfian Nur Rosyid, et al. · Respirology Case Reports (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS