Successful Treatment of Steroid-Refractory Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor–Related Colitis With Vedolizumab: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

A 72-year-old man with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma developed severe immune checkpoint inhibitor–related colitis after nivolumab therapy. The patient presented with frequent diarrhea and dehydration. Infectious causes were excluded, and colonoscopic findings were consistent with active colitis. Despite high-dose intravenous corticosteroid treatment, no clinical improvement was observed, and the condition was considered steroid-refractory. Vedolizumab was initiated as salvage therapy, resulting in a rapid clinical response, with a marked reduction in stool frequency and improvement in symptoms. Corticosteroids were successfully tapered, and no recurrence was observed during early follow-up.