A Case of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Developing Isolated Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Deficiency During Nivolumab Therapy

We report a case of isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency that developed after nivolumab therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma involving the pancreas and thyroid. The patient presented with nonspecific symptoms that improved promptly after discontinuation of nivolumab and initiation of hydrocortisone replacement therapy. Despite permanently requiring glucocorticoid supplementation, the patient has maintained a durable partial response for more than four years after cessation of nivolumab. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of immune-related endocrinopathies and demonstrates that long-term tumor control may be achieved even after discontinuation of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-12-20
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.99745
Primary Topic
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

A Case of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Developing Isolated Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Deficiency During Nivolumab Therapy

Cureus
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
article

A Case of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Developing Isolated Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Deficiency During Nivolumab Therapy

article en

Abstract

We report a case of isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency that developed after nivolumab therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma involving the pancreas and thyroid. The patient presented with nonspecific symptoms that improved promptly after discontinuation of nivolumab and initiation of hydrocortisone replacement therapy. Despite permanently requiring glucocorticoid supplementation, the patient has maintained a durable partial response for more than four years after cessation of nivolumab. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of immune-related endocrinopathies and demonstrates that long-term tumor control may be achieved even after discontinuation of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

CureusVol. 17(12)
The University of Osaka (JP)
Openalex Percentile: Top 43%
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
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