Immune checkpoint inhibition-induced myocarditis in cancer patients: Proposal of a detection and management strategy.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e15116-e15116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anjali Rao ◽  
Vlad Zaha ◽  
Bonnie Bermas ◽  
John Lohrey ◽  
Kevin Dale Courtney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Systolic Dysfunction ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Autoimmune Myocarditis ◽  
Multi Disciplinary Team ◽  
Steroid Sparing

e15116 Background: Monoclonal antibodies against the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), its ligand (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA4) have had a transformative effect on the field of oncology. Autoimmune myocarditis (AIM) is a rare but potentially severe complication associated with these medications, without specific management guidelines. The aim of this observational report is to present four cases of AIM following ICI and propose a detection and treatment strategy. Methods: Four patients who received anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) developed severe cardiac manifestations within two weeks to several months after initiation. Demographic, historical, laboratory, and imaging data were collected by retrospective chart review. Results: Manifestations included LV systolic dysfunction, ventricular arrhythmias, and elevated cardiac enzymes. Myocardial ischemia was ruled out by coronary catheterization. Abnormal myocardial tissue characteristics on CMRI and biopsy were used to establish the diagnosis of myocarditis. Patients had endocrine, rheumatologic and neurologic irAEs (Table) and were managed by a multi-disciplinary team including oncology, rheumatology and cardiology. Management included prompt administration of high-dose steroids with rapid taper. Steroid sparing and escalation therapies included mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, rituximab, abatacept (CTLA4 agonist), as well as plasma exchange. This combination of tiered therapies resulted in substantial improvement in AIM. Conclusions: Clinical improvements seen in these cases highlight potential key elements for controlling autoimmune myocarditis response to ICI. We propose rapid diagnosis including CMRI and biopsy and initiation of high dose prednisone. We also recommend prompt initiation of steroid sparing agent within one month of diagnosis. Importantly, these patients should be managed by a multi-disciplinary team. [Table: see text]

Effect of high-dose corticosteroid use on efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 4583-4583
Author(s):  
Chris Labaki ◽  
Sarah Abou Alaiwi ◽  
Andrew Lachlan Schmidt ◽  
Talal El Zarif ◽  
Ziad Bakouny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Renal Cell ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Line Of Therapy

4583 Background: The use of High-Dose Corticosteroids (HDC) has been linked to poor outcomes in patients with lung cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) (Ricciuti B, JCO, 2019). There is no data on the effect of HDC on renal cell carcinoma patients (RCC) treated with immunotherapy. We hypothesized that HDC use would be associated with worse outcomes in RCC patients receiving ICIs. Methods: This study evaluated a retrospective cohort of patients with RCC at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. Clinical information including demographics, IMDC risk score, RCC histology, steroid administration, ICI regimen, line of therapy, time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS) were collected. Patients were divided into those receiving HDC (prednisone ≥10 mg or equivalent for ≥ 1 week, HDC group) or not receiving HDC (No-HDC group). HDC administration was evaluated in relation to TTF and OS in a univariate analysis (Log-rank test) and a multivariate analysis (Cox regression). Results: 190 patients with RCC receiving ICIs were included, with a median age of 59 years. HDC were administered to 56 patients and 134 patients received no (N= 116) or only low-dose (N=18) steroids. In the HDC group, 40 patients received steroids for immune-related adverse events, 8 for other cancer-related indications, and 8 for non-oncological indications. There was no difference in TTF between the HDC and No-HDC groups (12-mo TTF rate: 34.8 vs. 32.3%, respectively; log-rank p=0.65). Similarly, there was no difference in OS between the HDC and No-HDC groups (36-mo OS rate: 56.7 vs. 62.4%, respectively; log-rank p=0.97). After adjusting for IMDC risk group, RCC histology, ICI regimen type, and line of therapy, TTF and OS did not differ in the HDC group as compared to No-HDC group (HR=1.14 [95%CI: 0.80-1.62], p=0.44 and HR=1.17 [95%CI: 0.65-2.11], p=0.59, respectively). Conclusions: In this retrospective study of patients with RCC treated with ICIs, administration of high-dose corticosteroids was not associated with worse outcomes.[Table: see text]

scholarly journals Challenge of immune-mediated adverse reactions in the emergency department

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 369-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory A Daniels ◽  
Angela D Guerrera ◽  
Donna Katz ◽  
Jayne Viets-Upchurch
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Immune Checkpoints ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Multiple Drugs

Multiple drugs of a new class of cancer treatments called immune checkpoint inhibitors, which work by enabling the immune system to attack tumour cells, have been approved for a variety of indications in recent years. Immune checkpoints, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 and programmed death-1, are part of the normal immune system and regulate immune activation. Treatment with inhibitors of these checkpoints can significantly improve response rates, progression-free survival and overall survival of patients with cancer; it can also result in adverse reactions that present similarly to other conditions. These immune-mediated adverse reactions (IMARs) are most commonly gastrointestinal, respiratory, endocrine or dermatologic. Although patients’ presentations may appear similar to other types of cancer therapy, the underlying causes, and consequently their management, may differ. Prompt recognition is critical because, with appropriate management, most IMARs resolve and patients can continue receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. Rarely, these IMARs may be life-threatening and escape detection from the usual evaluations in the emergency environment. Given the unusual spectrum and mechanism of IMARs arising from immune checkpoint inhibitors, emergency departmentED staff require a clear understanding of the evaluation of IMARs to enable them to appropriately assess and treat these patients. Treatment of IMARs, most often with high-dose steroids, differs from chemotherapy-related adverse events and when possible should be coordinated with the treating oncologist. This review summarises the ED presentation and management of IMARs arising from immune checkpoint inhibitors and includes recommendations for tools and resources for ED healthcare professionals.

scholarly journals The mechanisms of acute interstitial nephritis in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 175883591987554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Tucci ◽  
Anna Passarelli ◽  
Annalisa Todisco ◽  
Francesco Mannavola ◽  
Luigia Stefania Stucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Function ◽  
Interstitial Nephritis ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Acute Interstitial Nephritis ◽  
Clinical State ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Systemic Symptoms ◽  
The Impact

Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has improved the prognosis of patients with a number of types of cancer, but the frequent development of immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) can worsen the outcome. The most common irAEs involve the gastrointestinal, cutaneous, and endocrine systems, but nephrotoxicity, resulting from damage to the tubule-interstitial compartment, may occur in some patients. The early phases of acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) are characterized by systemic symptoms that indicate a poor clinical state as well as a mild deterioration of renal function. Tubular injury is due to a direct effect mediated by cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, which sustain the local production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that progressively impair renal function. The treatment of AIN is mainly based on high-dose steroids, which in most instances leads to the recovery of renal function. However, the premature discontinuation of ICI therapy may prevent the impact of treatment on the clinical progression of the malignancy. Adequately addressing irAEs requires a standardized therapy that is based on the results of large clinical trials.

Effect of antibiotic use prior to or concurrent with immune checkpoint inhibitors on outcomes in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 8030-8030
Author(s):  
Steven R Hwang ◽  
Alexandra Higgins ◽  
Betsy LaPlant ◽  
Matthew J. Maurer ◽  
Stephen M. Ansell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis

8030 Background: There is growing interest in the identification of modifiable patient-specific factors that may predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Recently, it has been proposed that antibiotic use could decrease the efficacy of ICIs in the treatment of advanced solid malignancies. The objective of our study is to assess whether antibiotic use prior to or concurrent with ICIs is associated with changes in outcomes in patients with cHL. Methods: Patients who received a PD-1 or CTLA-4 blocker for the treatment of cHL at Mayo Clinic Rochester between January 1, 2011 and October 20, 2018 were identified. We conducted a longitudinal retrospective chart review to identify those who received antibiotics within 30 or 90 days prior to initiation or concurrent with ICI therapy. Univariate cox regression analysis was used to assess for an association between antibiotic use and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) within these groups; a time-dependent variable was used for concurrent antibiotic use. Results: A total of sixty-two patients were identified (61% male, median age at ICI initiation 35 years [range: 19-87]). Median duration of follow up from ICI start was 38 months (range: 4-78). Twenty-one patients (34%) received antibiotics within 90 days of initiation of ICI, of which thirteen (21%) received antibiotics within 30 days. Thirty-five patients (57%) received antibiotics concurrently with ICI. Concurrent and prior antibiotic use within 90 days of ICI were both associated with inferior PFS (concurrent HR = 6.38 [95% CI 3.02-13.47]; 90-day HR = 2.21 [95% CI 1.10-4.47]) and OS (concurrent HR = 8.77 [95% CI 1.91-40.36]; 90-day HR = 2.96 [95% CI 1.09-8.04]). Conclusions: Antibiotic use is associated with inferior outcomes in patients with cHL treated with ICIs in this single institution cohort. This may reflect potential antibiotic effects on the gut microbiome (GMB) and immune system as has been suggested in prior studies. Further confirmatory studies and examination of potential confounding covariates are needed.

scholarly journals Case Report: A Case of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole-Triggered Hypotensive Shock: Cytokine Release Syndrome Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsuya Urasaki ◽  
Makiko Ono ◽  
Toshiaki Mochizuki ◽  
Koichi Takeda ◽  
Aya Nishizawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Interstitial Pneumonitis ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Hypersensitivity Syndrome ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Cytokine Release ◽  
Cytokine Release Syndrome ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Prophylactic Administration

Currently, only a few reports exist on the cytokine release syndrome (CRS) as one of the severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs) induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Notably, it is very rare that grade 4 CRS related to ICI therapy overlaps with the drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DiHS). A 46-year old woman with metastatic kidney cancer had grade 3 interstitial pneumonitis induced by four cycles of combination therapy of anti-programmed death-1 and anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-4 antibodies after right cytoreductive nephrectomy. Prophylactic administration of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) was started concomitantly with prednisolone therapy to treat the interstitial pneumonitis. She developed hypotensive shock when reducing the dosage of prednisolone, and required intubation and ventilation using vasopressors at the intensive care unit. She subsequently exhibited prominent leukocytosis and an increased level of C-reactive protein, suggesting markedly increased cytokine levels. Interestingly, facial edema and erythema increased in association with pyrexia, leukocytosis, liver dysfunction, and renal failure, suggesting that she developed DiHS. She received hemodialysis three times, a plasma exchange, and anti-interleukin-6 therapy to treat severe renal dysfunction, a thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-suspected condition, and possible grade 4 CRS, respectively. Although these therapies did not elicit sufficient effects, high-dose administration of intravenous immunoglobulin was successful. With steroid mini-pulse therapy and the subsequent administration of prednisolone, she recovered successfully. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that ICIs and TMP/SMX can induce hypotensive shock accompanied with CRS and DiHS during immunosuppressive therapy for an irAE. Importantly, the prophylactic administration of TMP/SMX should be performed cautiously to avoid severe drug reactions such as CRS or DiHS.

scholarly journals Fulminant Hepatic Failure after Chemosaturation with Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion and Nivolumab in a Patient with Metastatic Uveal Melanoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Lindsey Teal ◽  
Jeffrey Yorio
Keyword(s):  
Liver Metastases ◽  
Uveal Melanoma ◽  
Fulminant Hepatic Failure ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Hepatic Failure ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Hepatic Perfusion ◽  
Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as nivolumab, a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor, have dramatically improved the treatment of advanced melanomas. Chemosaturation with percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP) delivers chemotherapy in high doses directly to the liver and is a potentially effective treatment modality in metastatic uveal melanoma with liver metastases. Its safety and effectiveness have not been studied in patients also receiving immunotherapy. A 46-year-old male with a history of uveal melanoma of the right eye was found to have liver metastases. He was treated with PHP using high-dose melphalan for 6 months with a partial response followed by progression. Two months after his last PHP treatment, the patient was started on nivolumab. After two doses of nivolumab, the patient developed severe hepatitis that progressed to fulminant hepatic failure and death despite treatment with high-dose corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil. Nivolumab and other immune checkpoint inhibitors have been effective in treating advanced melanoma and extending life. However, there are serious immune adverse events that can occur. While hepatitis after taking nivolumab has been documented, fulminant hepatic failure is rare. We believe that prior PHP treatment contributed to the severity of the hepatitis and, ultimately, fulminant hepatic failure. To our knowledge, this is the only case of fulminant hepatic failure secondary to a checkpoint inhibitor with preceding PHP. Specific precautions should be made in patients who have been exposed to PHP in the past, and further studies should be done to assess the safety of using checkpoint inhibitors after PHP.

Immune-related intestinal pseudo-obstruction associated with nivolumab treatment in a lung cancer patient

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 487-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgios Fragulidis ◽  
Eirini Pantiora ◽  
Vasiliki Michalaki ◽  
Elissaios Kontis ◽  
Elias Primetis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibition ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibition ◽  
Gradual Improvement ◽  
Organ Systems

Immune checkpoint inhibition therapy using targeted monoclonal antibodies is a new therapeutic approach with significant survival benefit for patients with several cancer types. However, their use can be associated with unique immune-related adverse effects as a consequence of impaired self-tolerance due to loss of T-cell inhibition via a nonselective activation of the immune system. Nivolumab is an anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor that was recently developed for cancer immunotherapy with remarkable responses in nonsmall cell lung cancer patients. We present a 62-year-old Caucasian male with recurrent lung adenocarcinoma and currently under third-line therapy with nivolumab, who was admitted in our hospital with abdominal distension. Radiologic findings were consistent with small bowel ileus. After four days of conservative treatment, the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy where no cause of ileus was discovered. Postoperative the ileus persisted and considering that an adverse effect of the immune checkpoint inhibition therapy occurred, the patient received high-dose prednisone resulting in gradual improvement of symptoms. Immune checkpoint inhibitors may induce adverse effects to unaffected organ systems and tissues including the skin, gastrointestinal, hepatic, pulmonary, and endocrine system. The mainstay treatment consists of immunosuppression with corticosteroids in the majority of cases. As the clinical use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is expanding rapidly, there is an emergence of unique immune-related adverse effects in a growing patient population. Gaining early awareness is essential in these patients in order to ensure prompt diagnosis and management.

scholarly journals Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction following nivolumab and ipilimumab combination therapy for metastatic melanoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mami Ishibashi ◽  
Yoshihiro Ishida ◽  
Atsushi Otsuka ◽  
Shuji Yamamoto ◽  
Kenji Kabashima
Keyword(s):  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Prompt Treatment ◽  
Prompt Diagnosis

Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are commonly observed in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), and prompt diagnosis and treatment of irAEs is of utmost importance. Gastrointestinal (GI) events are among the most frequent irAEs and the hallmark symptom is diarrhea. Intestinal hypomotility as irAEs is exceedingly rare, and needs wider recognition given that the presentation is insidious.Here, we report a case of 79-year-old woman with metastatic melanoma under nivolumab and ipilimumab combination therapy. She developed ileus symptom, and was diagnosed with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. The symptom relieved soon after administering high-dose prednisolone five days after the onset. ICI therapy was discontinued.Intestinal hypomotility as GI irAEs is exceedingly rare and there have been five reported cases to our knowledge. In reviewing past cases, we speculate that the prompt initiation of corticosteroids resulted in a favorable outcome. Our case illustrates that early recognition of these rare irAEs is essential in order to ensure prompt treatment.

scholarly journals An Evaluation of the Use of Corticosteroids for the Management of Immune-Mediated Adverse Events in Cancer Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Tsui, PharmD ◽  
Linday Edmondson, PharmD, BCOP ◽  
Justin Julius, PharmD
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Secondary Endpoints

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have gained prominence for the treatment of a variety of malignancies. However, they are associated with the development of immune-mediated adverse events (IMAEs). Appropriate management of IMAEs and subsequent rechallenging of patients with ICI therapy remains an important area of research. The primary endpoint of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of current prescribing practices and adherence to guideline recommendations for IMAE management. The incidence of symptom resolution, number of patients reinitiated with ICI therapy, and IMAE recurrence upon ICI therapy reinitiation were explored as secondary endpoints. A retrospective chart review within the Allegheny Health Network was conducted in cancer patients treated with ICI therapy who developed a documented ICI-associated IMAE and subsequently received corticosteroid therapy. IRB approval was obtained for this study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze both primary and secondary endpoints. The study sample was made up of 81 patients. Overall, 50 out of 81 patient cases (62%) were found to be discordant with guideline recommendations; the primary factors identified were inappropriate starting corticosteroid dosing (64%), initiation of a corticosteroid taper prior to IMAE resolution to at least grade 1 severity, and condensed corticosteroid taper (74%). The main IMAEs identified were colitis (28%), pneumonitis (27%), and skin-related inflammation (12%). 76 out of the 81 patients (94%) achieved IMAE resolution; 41 patients (54%) were rechallenged with ICI therapy, of which 14 patients (34%) developed IMAE recurrence. Future studies may focus on evaluating different immunosuppression strategies to optimize IMAE management.

scholarly journals Encephalomyeloneuritis and arthritis after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. e773 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha Nowosielski ◽  
Franziska Di Pauli ◽  
Sarah Iglseder ◽  
Michaela Wagner ◽  
Nicole Hoellweger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Treatment ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Transverse Myelitis ◽  
High Dose ◽  
First Choice

ObjectiveImmunotherapy revolutionized melanoma treatment; however, immune-related adverse events, especially neurotoxicity, may be severe and require early and correct diagnosis as well as early treatment commencement.MethodsWe report an unusual severe multiorgan manifestation of neurotoxicity after treatment with the anti-PDL1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, nivolumab, and the anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 immune checkpoint inhibitor, ipilimumab, in a 47-year-old male patient with metastatic melanoma.ResultsThe patient developed immune-mediated synovitis and cranial neuritis, followed by longitudinal transverse myelitis, encephalitis, and optic neuritis. Early treatment with high-dose steroids and maintenance therapy with rituximab resulted in a favorable neurologic outcome.ConclusionsThe frequency of spinal cord involvement and neuronal toxicity after cancer immunotherapy is very low and requires an extensive diagnostic workup to differentiate between disease progression and side effects. Immune checkpoint inhibitors should be discontinued and treatment with corticosteroids should be initiated early as the drug of first choice. Therapy may be escalated by other immune-modulating treatments, such as rituximab.

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