Beyond steroids: Immunosuppressants in steroid-refractory/resistant immune related adverse events.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9092-9092
Author(s):  
Jia Luo ◽  
Jason Beattie ◽  
Paige Fuentes ◽  
Hira Rizvi ◽  
Jacklynn V. Egger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycophenolate Mofetil ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Blockade ◽  
Systemic Steroid ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Systemic Steroids ◽  
Lung Cancers ◽  
Tnfα Inhibitor ◽  
Steroid Refractory

9092 Background: The optimal management for immune related adverse events (irAEs) in patients who do not respond or become intolerant to steroids is unclear. Guidelines suggest additional immunosuppressants based on case reports and expert opinion. Methods: We examined patients with advanced lung cancers at MSK treated with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) from 2011-2020. Pharmacy records were queried to identify patients who received systemic steroids as well as an additional immunosuppressant (eg TNFα inhibitor, mycophenolate mofetil). Patient records were manually reviewed to examine baseline characteristics, management, and outcomes. Results: Among 2,750 patients with lung cancers treated with ICB, 51 (2%) received both steroids and an additional immunosuppressant for a severe irAE (TNFα inhibitor (73%), mycophenolate mofetil (20%)). The most common events were colitis (53%), pneumonitis (20%), hepatitis (12%), and neuromuscular (10%). At 90 days after start of an additional immunosuppressant, 57% were improved from their irAE, 18% were unchanged, and 25% were deceased. Improvement was more common in hepatitis (5/6) and colitis (18/27) but less common in neuromuscular (1/5) and pneumonitis (3/10). All patients with hepatitis received mycophenolate mofetil 500-1000mg BID for a median of 3 months, range 2-5 months. Of the 18 patients with colitis who improved with a TNFα inhibitor, 10 needed just one dose. Of 13 patients who died, 4 were related to toxicity from immunosuppression (3, infection-related deaths; 1, drug-induced liver injury leading to acute liver failure). Those who died from immunosuppressive therapy received higher amounts of systemic steroids than those who did not (max median 525 vs 132 mg prednisone equivalent, Mann Whitney U p = 0.004, total median 5.9k vs 2.3k mg prednisone equivalent, p = 0.004). Of 31 patients who received at least 3 weeks of prednisone ≥ 20mg, most (90%, 28/31) had at least one side effect that was brought to clinical attention (most commonly altered mood/ sleep, 52%, increase in BMI > 1kg/m2, 45%, and infection, 32%). Conclusions: Steroid-refractory/resistant immune related adverse events are rare. While existing treatments help patients with hepatitis and colitis, most patients with other irAEs remain refractory and/or experience toxicities from immunosuppression. Systemic steroid use likely contributed to side effects and mortality. A more precise understanding of the pathophysiology of specific irAEs is needed to guide biologically informed treatment regimens for severe irAEs to realize the true benefit of ICB therapy.

scholarly journals Effect of Systemic Steroid Use for Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Receiving PD-1 Blockade Drugs

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (16) ◽  
pp. 3744
Author(s):  
Atsuto Mouri ◽  
Kyoichi Kaira ◽  
Ou Yamaguchi ◽  
Kousuke Hashimoto ◽  
Yu Miura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Small Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Small Cell ◽  
Systemic Steroid ◽  
Small Cell Lung ◽  
Steroid Use ◽  
Systemic Steroids ◽  
Programmed Death

Objectives: Programmed death-1(PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) antibodies have clinical benefits for cancer patients facing immune-related adverse events (irAEs). However, the effect of steroid use on the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving PD-1 blockade remains unclear. Methods: NSCLC patients with complete response (CR)/partial response (PR) or stable disease (SD)/not evaluable (NE) status plus progression-free survival (PFS) of 180 days after PD-1 blockade from December 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively registered in our study and were divided into two groups: those with and without systemic steroid use for irAEs. Results: In total, 126 patients who had benefitted from PD-1 blockade were enrolled in our study; among them, 44 received systemic steroids for irAEs, and 82 had no adverse events or, if they did, did not receive systemic steroids. Among the 44 patients requiring steroids, interstitial lung disease (ILD), adrenal insufficiency, diarrhea, and liver dysfunction were observed in 19, 9, 4, and 4 patients, respectively. More side effects were observed in the group treated by steroids. The median PFS and overall survival (OS) in patients with and without systemic steroid use were 11.7 and 16.0 months (p < 0.037) and 35.0 and 41.0 months (p < 0.28), respectively. In univariate and multivariate analyses of survival, systemic steroid treatment for irAEs was significantly associated with PFS. The occurrence of ILD, adrenal insufficiency, and fever was significant in patients who used systemic steroids for irAEs. Conclusions: Patients administered systemic steroids for irAEs due to PD-1 blockade treatment exhibited shorter PFS than those who were not. Systemic steroids might affect survival after PD-1 blockade even for patients who once acquired its clinical benefit.

scholarly journals Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated gastrointestinal and hepatic adverse events and their management

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 175628481988419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uday N. Shivaji ◽  
Louisa Jeffery ◽  
Xianyong Gui ◽  
Samuel C. L. Smith ◽  
Omer F. Ahmad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Common Side Effect ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Immune Balance ◽  
Steroid Refractory

Background: Drug-induced colitis is a known complication of therapies that alter the immune balance, damage the intestinal barrier or disturb intestinal microbiota. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) directed against cancer cells may result in activated T lymphocyte-induced immune-related adverse events (AEs), including immune-related colitis and hepatitis. The aim of this review article is to summarize the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatic AEs related to ICI therapy. We have also looked at the pathogenesis of immune-mediated AEs and propose management strategies based on current available evidence. Methods: A literature search using PubMed and Medline databases was undertaken using relevant search terms pertaining to names of individual drugs, mechanism of action, related AEs and their management. Results: ICI-related GI AEs are common, and colitis appears to be the most common side effect, with some studies reporting incidence as high as 30%. The incidence of both all-grade colitis and hepatitis were highest with combination therapy with anti-CTLA-4/PD-1; severity of colitis was dose-dependent (anti-CTLA-4). Early intervention is associated with better outcomes. Conclusion: ICI-related GI and hepatic AEs are common and clinicians need to be aware. Patients with GI AEs benefit from early diagnosis using endoscopy and computed tomography. Early intervention with oral steroids is effective in the majority of patients, and in steroid-refractory colitis infliximab and vedolizumab have been reported to be useful; mycophenolate has been used for steroid-refractory hepatitis.

Tocilizumab for the management of immune mediated adverse events secondary to PD-1 blockade.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e21712-e21712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chipman Robert Geoffrey Stroud ◽  
Cynthia R. Cherry ◽  
Abdul Rafeh Naqash ◽  
Nitika Sharma ◽  
Sulochana Devi Cherukuri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Median Time ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Blockade ◽  
Inpatient Setting ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Steroid Refractory

e21712 Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors are poised to revolutionize the management of a growing number of malignancies. Unfortunately, the management of steroid-refractory immune mediated adverse events (irAEs) is based on a paucity of randomized data and limited to single center experiences. Our initial experience with the IL-6 receptor antagonist tocilizumab showed clinical improvement in a wide variety of irAEs. As a result, we adopted the use of tocilizumab for the management of steroid-refractory irAEs. Methods:The character and clinical course of irAEs were abstracted from the medical record and analyzed. The dose of tocilizumab was 4 mg/kg given IV over 1 hour. C-reactive protein was drawn at first nivolumab infusion and at q 2 weeks (and with irAEs) thereafter. Clinical improvement was defined as either: documentation of resolution of symptoms or hospital d/c within 7 days. Results:Of the initial 87 patients that were treated with nivolumab, 34 required tocilizumab (39.1%). All pts were on corticosteroids. The majority (88.2%) were lung cancer patients. The index grade 3/4 irAE was pneumonitis in 35.3%, cytokine release syndrome/SIRS in 35.3%, cerebritis in 14.7% and one case each of hypophysitis, colitis, pancreatitis, hepatitis and immune mediated coagulopathy. Median time between first nivolumab and initiation of tocilizumab was 76 days (range 1-429). Median CRP at initial tocilizumab dose was 100.5 mg/L (2.0 -350.4). Clinical improvement was noted in 27/34 pts (79.4%). 52.9% of pts required a single dose, while 35.3% required two, 8.8% required three and 1 pt required 4 doses. Twenty seven doses were given in the inpatient setting (49.1%). Median time to discharge was 4 days (range 1-27). Seventy four percent of pts were discharged home. For the 55 doses of tocilizumab that were delivered there was a cost savings of $147,174.94 (WAC) during the 18 month period versus infliximab 5 mg/kg IV dose. Conclusions: Tocilizumab is a therapeutic option for the management of steroid refractory irAEs secondary to immune checkpoint blockade. However, randomized trials are needed to better elucidate the relative efficacy and safety of these agents.

Success and failure of additional immunosuppressants in steroid-refractory pneumonitis related to immune checkpoint blockade.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 3078-3078
Author(s):  
Jason Beattie ◽  
Paige Fuentes ◽  
Hira Rizvi ◽  
Jia Luo ◽  
Adam Jacob Schoenfeld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycophenolate Mofetil ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Initial Response ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Blockade ◽  
Checkpoint Blockade ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Tnf Antagonists ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Steroid Refractory

3078 Background: Severe immune related adverse events (irAEs) with immune checkpoint blockade are uncommon but can be fatal. Steroids are the most common initial treatment for most non-endocrine irAEs, but some patients are or become refractory to steroids. When steroids are not effective, there is limited data to guide management strategies, particularly in the context of pneumonitis. Methods: All patients at MSK treated with immune checkpoint blockade from 2013-2020 were queried for receipt of an immunosuppressant (e.g. TNF antagonists, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide) beyond steroids. Patient records were then manually reviewed to identify patients who received such therapy for management of immunotherapy-related pneumonitis. Results: Among 5363 patients treated with immune checkpoint blockade, 364 (6.8%) received an additional immunosuppressant for an irAE, including 28 (0.5% of all patients treated) patients treated for pneumonitis. Most of these pneumonitis events (19/28, 68%) were grade 3 or higher. Agents used included mycophenolate mofetil (7/28; 25%), TNF antagonists (23/28; 82%), and cyclophosphamide (1/28; 3.5%); more than one medication was used in 3 patients (11%). The indications were primary non-response to steroids (n = 16, 57%) and recrudescence after initial response to steroids (n = 12, 43%). At 90 days from initiation of the additional immunosuppressant, 13/28 (46%) patients were alive with improvement or resolution of pneumonitis while 15/28 (54%) had died. Survival with resolution/improvement was more common in patients treated for recrudescence vs primary non-response (67% vs 25%, p = 0.05). Conclusions: Outcomes with additional immunosuppressants in the setting of steroid-refractory immune-related pneumonitis are poor, but resolution can occur in some cases. A deeper understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of irAEs is needed to more effectively tailor immunosuppressant therapies, particularly in severe pneumonitis events.

scholarly journals Ursodeoxycholic acid and bezafibrate were useful for steroid-refractory, immune-related hepatitis: a case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sachiyo Onishi ◽  
Masahiro Tajika ◽  
Hideaki Bando ◽  
Yuki Matsubara ◽  
Waki Hosoda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Event ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Ursodeoxycholic Acid ◽  
Liver Enzymes ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Related Adverse Event ◽  
First Case ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Steroid Refractory

Abstract Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown clinically significant antitumor efficacy and have been approved for the treatment of various kinds of advanced malignancies. On the other hand, these immunotherapies show unique adverse events, termed “immune-related adverse events,” which are distinctly associated with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. Hepatotoxicity is recognized as an immune-related adverse event; prompt treatment with corticosteroids is recommended. However, some cases are refractory to steroids. Here, we report the first case (to our knowledge) of steroid-refractory immune-related hepatitis that was successfully treated with ursodeoxycholic acid and bezafibrate. Case presentation A 68-year-old Asian man, came to our hospital for the treatment of malignant melanoma involving the gingiva and presenting with multiple lymph node and bone metastases was administered nivolumab as a first-line treatment. Two months into treatment, the patient developed diarrhea as a result of immune-related colitis; the colitis was treated successfully with prednisolone 60 mg/ day, resulting in improvement in the patient’s symptoms. However, when steroids were being tapered, acute elevation of liver enzymes was observed. Autoimmune hepatitis was suspected as an immune-related adverse event, and treatment with intravenous prednisolone 60 mg/ day was reinitiated. However, restoration of the steroid treatment failed to improve the patient’s liver enzymes. On the basis of histological findings from liver biopsy and exclusion of other etiologies such as viral infection and other drug-induced hepatitis, steroid-refractory hepatic immune-related adverse event was deemed the most likely cause of the patient’s acute hepatitis. In general, mycophenolate mofetil or tacrolimus is known to provide benefits in cases of steroid-refractory hepatitis. We therefore decided to add oral ursodeoxycholic acid and bezafibrate in consideration of the patient’s background of repeated aspiration pneumonia. Administration of this regimen resulted in an improvement in liver function, which remained normal even after tapering of prednisolone. Conclusions Ursodeoxycholic acid and bezafibrate may be useful for treatment of steroid-refractory immune-related adverse event hepatitis.

scholarly journals A case report of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related steroid-refractory myocarditis and myasthenia gravis-like myositis treated with abatacept and mycophenolate mofetil

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mette S Jespersen ◽  
Søren Fanø ◽  
Christian Stenør ◽  
Anne Kirstine Møller
Keyword(s):  
Mycophenolate Mofetil ◽  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Steroid Refractory

Abstract Background Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related myocarditis is an uncommon but potentially fatal immune-related adverse event. Corticoid-resistant myocarditis induced by ICI is an important therapeutic challenge. Case Summary Here we present a case of steroid-refractory ICI-related myocarditis and myositis treated with abatacept and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). A 57-year-old male with metastatic renal cell carcinoma was diagnosed with immune-related myocarditis and myasthenia gravis-like myositis after first dose of combination immune checkpoint inhibitors with nivolumab (anti-programmed cell death-1) plus ipilimumab (anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4). Twelve days after ICI he was admitted to the hospital due to palpitations, headache, and pain in the extremities. Laboratory findings revealed elevated inflammatory markers and cardiac enzymes. Electrocardiogram showed first-degree AV-block and right bundle branch block which developed into complete heart block within 48 hours. Because of clinical and paraclinical deterioration despite immediate initiation of methylprednisolone abatacept and MMF was added. Following, gradual subjective improvement and termination of arrythmia led to discharge of the patient from the hospital 6 weeks after introduction of ICI. Discussion The key treatment of ICI-related myocarditis is glucocorticoid. For steroid-refractory myocarditis supplementary immune suppressive agents are recommended. Yet, data still relies on case reports and case series, due to lack of prospective studies. In this case the use of abatacept and MMF led to resolution of steroid-resistant ICI-related myocarditis and myositis.

Liver and Statins: A Critical Appraisal of the Evidence

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (42) ◽  
pp. 5835-5846 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Licata ◽  
Antonina Giammanco ◽  
Maria Giovanna Minissale ◽  
Salvatore Pagano ◽  
Salvatore Petta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Organic Anion ◽  
Genome Wide Association Studies ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Drug Induced Liver Injury ◽  
Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) represent an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Statins are a class of drugs whose main adverse effects are drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and myopathy. Some of these may be predictable, due to their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, while others, unfortunately, are idiosyncratic. Genetic factors may also influence patient susceptibility to DILI and myopathy in the case of statins. This review will first discuss the role of statins in cardiovascular disease treatment and prevention and the underlying mechanisms of action. Furthermore, to explore the susceptibility of statin-induced adverse events such as myopathy and hepatotoxicity, it will then focus on the recent Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) concerning the transporter genes, Cytochrome P450 (CYP), organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) and ABCB1 and ABCC1, which seem to play a role in the development of clinically relevant adverse events. Finally, we appraise the evidence for and against the use of statins in metabolic syndrome and in HCV-infected patients, in terms of their safety and efficacy in cardiovascular events.

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