Case report · PMID 41669704

A Case Report of a Multisystemic Immune-Related Adverse Event Caused by Sintilimab in Combination With Thymosin Alpha-1 — VialBase Research

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient developed multisystem irAEs after sintilimab + Ta1

Last updated · 2026 · Li T, Wu BL, Yu CL, Jin LY · Clin Case Rep
Key findings
  • Nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient developed multisystem irAEs after sintilimab + Ta1
  • Presented with high fever, rash, interstitial pulmonary edema, multiple organ failure
  • Highlights risk of immune overactivation when combining ICI + immunomodulators

Multisystemic irAE from Sintilimab + Ta1 (PMID: 41669704)

Case Summary

  • Patient: nasopharyngeal carcinoma
  • Treatment: sintilimab (PD-1 inhibitor) + thymosin alpha-1
  • Adverse events: high fever, rash, interstitial pulmonary edema, multiple organ failure
  • Outcome: managed with treatment discontinuation and supportive care

Clinical Significance

This case highlights the critical safety concern of combining Thymosin-Alpha-1 with immune checkpoint inhibitors. While Ta1 is generally safe in monotherapy, its immune-enhancing effects can synergize dangerously with ICI-mediated immune disinhibition, producing severe multi-organ irAEs.

Takeaway

Ta1 + ICI combinations require careful monitoring. The immune-boosting properties that make Ta1 effective for infections and cancer adjunct therapy become a liability when combined with checkpoint blockade that removes immune brakes.

See Also