Pembrolizumab-induced mucositis in a patient with recurrent hypopharynx squamous cell cancer

Pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor, is used in patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who have received prior therapy with a platinum-based regimen. As a monotherapy, it is generally well tolerated, but a small percentage of patients may develop immune-mediated inflammatory reactions. We report a case of mucositis and laryngeal edema in a patient on pembrolizumab and review the literature. Laryngoscope, 130:E140-E143, 2020