Metastatic germ cell tumor showing a durable response to the anti-PD-1 antibody toripalimab.

The outcome for patients with recurrent and metastatic germ cell tumors can be dismal, and novel salvage therapies are required for these patients. Here we describe a case of metastatic germ cell tumor in which 30% of cells were positive for PD-L1. This tumor achieved a durable response to toripalimab, a monoclonal anti-PD-1 antibody. Follow-up for 36 months post-treatment confirmed no disease progression. Continuous remission was maintained even when treatment was interrupted after 18 months because of an immune-related adverse event (allergic rhinitis). Thus, toripalimab may be an alternative choice for salvage therapy in patients with recurrent and metastatic germ cell tumors.