Velopalatine and Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis Associated with Atezolizumab Treatment: A Severe and Previously Undocumented Side Effect in Cancer Immunotherapy

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024 Aug;76(4):3707-3709. doi: 10.1007/s12070-024-04709-5. Epub 2024 Apr 20.

Abstract

Adverse effects of immunotherapeutic treatments like atezolizumab remain largely unknown due to limited experience. We present a 65-year-old man with sudden dyspnea and other symptoms, implicating immunotherapy. Prompt intervention and suspension were crucial. This study identifies a novel unreported adverse effect-bilateral vocal cord and velopalatine paralysis-associated with atezolizumab use.

Keywords: Atezolizumab; Immunotherapy; Tracheostomy; Vocal cord paralysis.