Disseminated <i>Lomentospora prolificans</i> infection in a patient with neutropenia treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab
Immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy enhances T cell activity against cancer cells but often leads to the immune system targeting healthy cells, causing 'immune-related adverse events' (irAEs). We report the case of a man in his 70s with metastatic melanoma being treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab. He presented with febrile neutropenia after lacerating a thumb on his compost bin. The neutrophil count only recovered once oral prednisolone was commenced, indicating a haematological irAE. A restaging Positron Emission Tomography scan revealed intramuscular ring-enhancing collections throughout his body, one of which was aspirated and cultured the fungus <i>Lomentospora prolificans</i> He was treated with voriconazole plus terbinafine, both of which were later substituted with olorofim due to a voriconazole-induced rash. After 4 months, the collections had resolved on repeat imaging, and olorofim was ceased due to transaminitis. This case highlights neutropenia as a lesser-known adverse effect of immunotherapy and raises awareness about <i>L. prolificans</i> infection.
Authors
- Mihitha Ariyapperuma
- Andrew Walczak (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8182-2043)
- Ammie Higgins
- Meinolf Karthaus
- Nicholas William Dunstan
Institutions
- Murdoch University (AU)
- The University of Western Australia (AU)
- Royal Perth Hospital (AU)
- Fiona Stanley Hospital (AU)
- Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (AU)
- WA Country Health Service (AU)
- Pathwest Laboratory Medicine (AU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMJ Case Reports
- Published
- 2026-02-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2025-268761
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Antifungal resistance and susceptibility
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 32.78