Long-term complete response to anti-programmed-death-1 monotherapy in a patient with relapsed and refractory ovarian adenocarcinoma: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system, and the survival rate of patients with relapsed and refractory ovarian cancer is very low.

CASE SUMMARY

Here, we report a case of high-grade serous papillary adenocarcinoma of the ovary that was successfully treated with immunotherapy. Radical surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for the 56-year-old patient were successful; however, her tumor relapsed. Subsequent second-line chemotherapy, targeted agents, and other treatments were ineffective, as the tumor continued to recur and metastasize. Anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) monotherapy (tislelizumab) completely alleviated the tumor, and the multiple metastatic tumors disappeared. To date, the patient has used anti-PD-1 for 32 months, experiencing no disease progression and maintaining good health without additional treatment.

CONCLUSION

This case suggests that anti-PD-1 immunotherapy may have long-term positive effects on outcomes in some refractory recurrent solid tumors. Further research is needed to identify patients most likely to respond to anti-PD-1 therapy.

Keywords: Anti-programmed cell death-1; Tislelizumab; Ovarian cancer; Relapsed cancer treatment; Immunotherapy; Case report

Core Tip: When chemotherapy, poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase inhibitors, and other treatments are ineffective for relapsed refractory ovarian cancer, anti-programmed death 1 immunotherapy may be the last resort.