Diagnosis, monitoring, and management of adverse events from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy

Curr Oncol. 2020 Apr;27(Suppl 2):S43-S50. doi: 10.3747/co.27.5111. Epub 2020 Apr 1.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (icit) is now a standard of care for a variety of cancers in both the metastatic and adjuvant settings. As a result, an understanding of the timing, epidemiology, monitoring, diagnosis, and management of immune-related adverse events (iraes) associated with icit is imperative. This article reviews specific iraes by organ system, consolidating recommendations from multiple guidelines and incorporating data from case reports to highlight additional evolving therapeutic options for patients. Managing iraes requires early recognition, early intervention, and education of the patients and the multidisciplinary health care team alike. Given the durable responses observed with icit, and the irreversible nature of some of the iraes, further research into management of the sequelae of icit is required.

Keywords: Immune checkpoint inhibitors; PD-1; PD-L1; adverse events; ctla-4; immunotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Immunotherapy / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors