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.

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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
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article

Disseminated Lomentospora prolificans infection in a patient with neutropenia treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab

Mihitha Ariyapperuma, Andrew Walczak, Ammie Higgins, Meinolf Karthaus et al.
1 citations
BMJ Case Reports
Antifungal resistance and susceptibility
32.78
article

Disseminated Lomentospora prolificans infection in a patient with neutropenia treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab

Mihitha Ariyapperuma, Andrew Walczak, Ammie Higgins, Meinolf Karthaus, Nicholas William Dunstan
article en
1 citations

Abstract

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.

BMJ Case ReportsVol. 19(2)
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)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 1%
Antifungal resistance and susceptibility
32.78
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