Immune-modulating medications: the masquerading culprit of epididymo-orchitis

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionised pharmacological chemotherapy for various malignant neoplasms. The side effects of ICIs are still being fully understood. We present a case of a male patient in his mid-50s with a history of metastatic renal cell carcinoma ultimately diagnosed with bilateral epididymo-orchitis (EO) following pembrolizumab maintenance treatment. Our report adds to the three identified cases of EO linked to immune checkpoint inhibitors. This rarely reported association should serve as a cautionary tale for future clinicians about the possible side effects of these immune-enhancing medications.

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Publication Details

Journal
BMJ Case Reports
Published
2026-01-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2025-267699
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
24.20
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article

Immune-modulating medications: the masquerading culprit of epididymo-orchitis

Hari Polenakovik, David S Buchinsky, Jonathan I Hakim
1 citations
BMJ Case Reports
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
24.20
article

Immune-modulating medications: the masquerading culprit of epididymo-orchitis

Hari Polenakovik, David S Buchinsky, Jonathan I Hakim
article en
1 citations

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionised pharmacological chemotherapy for various malignant neoplasms. The side effects of ICIs are still being fully understood. We present a case of a male patient in his mid-50s with a history of metastatic renal cell carcinoma ultimately diagnosed with bilateral epididymo-orchitis (EO) following pembrolizumab maintenance treatment. Our report adds to the three identified cases of EO linked to immune checkpoint inhibitors. This rarely reported association should serve as a cautionary tale for future clinicians about the possible side effects of these immune-enhancing medications.

BMJ Case ReportsVol. 19(1)
Wright State University (US), Dayton VA Medical Center (US)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 3%
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
24.20
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