Early Recognition of Immune‐Related Hepatitis During Avelumab Maintenance Therapy for Urothelial Carcinoma

IJU Case Reports 2026 Open access

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Authors: Yuka Iwama, Tomoyasu Sano, Yuta Sano, Tomokazu Kimura, Yushi Naito, Satoshi Inoue, Kazuna Matsuo, Shohei Ishida, Y. Matsukawa, Shusuke Akamatsu
DOI: 10.1002/iju5.70150
Cited by: 1
References: 5

Abstract

Introduction: Avelumab is recommended as maintenance therapy for advanced urothelial carcinoma after platinum chemotherapy; however, immune-related adverse events can be severe and refractory. Case Presentation: A 79-year-old male developed immune-related hepatitis during avelumab maintenance therapy following gemcitabine plus carboplatin for metastatic recurrent urothelial carcinoma. Despite discontinuation of avelumab and treatment with high-dose corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil, and plasma exchange, liver failure progressed, leading to death on day 106. Conclusion: Hepatic irAEs during avelumab therapy are rare but potentially fatal. Early recognition and aggressive multidisciplinary management are essential to improve outcomes.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers Bladder and Urothelial Cancer Treatments Colorectal Cancer Treatments and Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
IJU Case Reports
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
9
Issue
2
Pages
e70150–e70150
Publication date
15 February 2026
Language
EN