Sudden Otovestibular Dysfunction in 3 Metastatic Melanoma Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Immune-related adverse events have been described in 86%-96% of high-risk melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), while in 17%-59% of cases these are classified as severe or even life-threatening. The most common immune-related adverse events include diarrhea, fatigue, hypothyroidism, and hepatitis. Bilateral uveitis and unspecific vertigo have been described in 1% of cases, respectively, in the pivotal studies of ICIs, but the affection of the vestibule-cochlear system has not been reported before. In this case series, we present 3-stage IV melanoma patients with sudden onset of otovestibular dysfunction (hearing loss and vestibulopathy), partly combined with uveitis because of ICIs. We describe detailed diagnostic work-up and therapeutic interventions and discuss possible pathogenic mechanisms of this rare and disabling event.

Automated summary

In high-risk melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a high percentage experience immune-related adverse events, with some cases classified as severe or life-threatening. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, hypothyroidism, and hepatitis. Rare cases may involve otovestibular dysfunction and uveitis, with unclear pathogenic mechanisms.