Treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated myocarditis with abatacept and ruxolitinib: a case report

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60103/phc.v28.e943

Keywords:

polimedicados; pediátricos; conciliación; medicación

Abstract

Introduction: Myocarditis, as an adverse effect associated with treatment using immune checkpoint inhibitors, is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication, particularly in patients who are unresponsive to glucocorticoids.

Case presentation: A 44-year-old woman with triple-negative breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide who, after three cycles of treatment, developed severe myocarditis with ventricular arrhythmias and persistent elevated troponin T levels; an immunomodulatory strategy aimed at improving the prognosis in such situations was proposed.

Assessment: Despite initial management with glucocorticoids, mycophenolate mofetil and supportive measures, she presented with clinical deterioration.

Results: The immunosuppressive treatment was switched to abatacept and ruxolitinib, resulting in progressive improvement and haemodynamic stabilisation.

Conclusions: This case highlights the use of abatacept and ruxolitinib as a strategy in glucocorticoid-refractory myocarditis, with significant implications for clinical practice.

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References

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Herrmann J, Barac A, Carver J, Cheng RK, Daniele A, Dent S, et al. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Cardiovascular Toxic Effects: International Cardio-Oncology Society Position State-ment. JAMA Oncol. 2026 Jan 1;12(1):90-99. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2025.4543

Schulz-Menger J, Collini V, Gröschel J, Adler Y, Brucato A, Christian V, et al. ESC Scientific Docu-ment Group. 2025 ESC Guidelines for the management of myocarditis and pericarditis. Eur Heart J. 2025 Oct 22;46(40):3952-4041. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf192

Salem JE, Ederhy S, Belin L, Zahr N, Tubach F, Procureur A, et al. Abatacept dose-finding phase II triaL for immune checkpoint inhibitors myocarditis (ACHLYS) trial design. Arch Cardiovasc Dis. 2025 Feb;118(2):106-115. doi: 10.1016/j.acvd.2024.12.005

Wadden E, Lai C, Grivas P, Bhatia S, Portuguese AJ, Salem JE, et al. Successful treatment of im-mune checkpoint inhibitor-associated fulminant myocarditis with abatacept and ruxolitinib: a case report. Eur Heart J Case Rep. 2025 Feb 17;9(2):ytaf019. doi: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf019

Published

2026-08-17

How to Cite

Montero Lázaro, M., Maganto Garrido, S., Martín Roldán, A., Cárdaba García, M. E., Fernández Peña, S., & Fijó Prieto, A. (2026). Treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated myocarditis with abatacept and ruxolitinib: a case report. Pharmaceutical Care España, 28. https://doi.org/10.60103/phc.v28.e943

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Section

Casos clínicos