Vedolizumab in the treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced colitis: Two case reports

BACKGROUND: Immune check-point inhibitors-induced colitis (ICPIs-induced colitis) is one of the immune-related side effects. Steroids and Infliximab are commonly used to treat it. The patients of our report were treated by Vedolizumab. CASE SUMMARY: The two patients went to the doctor with bloody stools and were treated by Sintilimab and Camrelizumab, respectively, for their malignant tumors. They were diagnosed as ICPIs-induced colitis based on endoscopic and histologic examination. The original immunotherapy was ceased while the anti-inflammatory therapy was introduced. The patients' colitis symptoms disappeared after the treatment and no recurrence was found during the follow-up period. The unique feature about the case reports is that Vedolizumab combined with short-term corticosteroids had achieved good therapeutic effects. CONCLUSION: For the symptoms of bloody diarrhea after the ICPIs treatment of cancer, the possibility of ICPIs-induced colitis should be considered. Vedolizumab combined with short-term corticosteroids may be appropriate for the treatment.