Activating Antibodies to The Calcium-sensing Receptor in Immunotherapy-induced Hypoparathyroidism

2020 ◽  
Vol 105 (5) ◽  
pp. 1581-1588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabella Lupi ◽  
Alessandro Brancatella ◽  
Filomena Cetani ◽  
Francesco Latrofa ◽  
E Helen Kemp ◽  
...  

Abstract Context Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), programmed cell death protein-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) monoclonal antibodies, are approved for the treatment of some types of advanced cancer. Their main treatment-related side-effects are immune-related adverse events (irAEs), especially thyroid dysfunction and hypophysitis. Hypoparathyroidism, on the contrary, is an extremely rare irAE. Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the etiology of autoimmune hypoparathyroidism in a lung cancer patient treated with pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1. Methods Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) autoantibodies, their functional activity, immunoglobulin (Ig) subclasses and epitopes involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune hypoparathyroidism were tested. Results The patient developed hypocalcemia after 15 cycles of pembrolizumab. Calcium levels normalized with oral calcium carbonate and calcitriol and no remission of hypocalcemia was demonstrated during a 9-month follow-up. The patient was found to be positive for CaSR-stimulating antibodies, of IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses, that were able to recognize functional epitopes on the receptor, thus causing hypocalcemia. Conclusion The finding confirms that ICI therapy can trigger, among other endocrinopathies, hypoparathyroidism, which can be caused by pathogenic autoantibodies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 335
Author(s):  
Nuno Gomes ◽  
Vincent Sibaud ◽  
Filomena Azevedo ◽  
Sofia Magina

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors revolutionized anti-neoplastic treatment. Recently, the European Medicines Agency and the United States Food and Drug Administration approved inhibitors of various immune checkpoints, namely the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand. Despite the added benefits in the treatment of several neoplasms, immune checkpoint blockade may also be associated with multiple immune-related adverse events.Material and Methods: A literature review in PubMed database on the cutaneous toxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors was performed until April 30, 2019.Results and Discussion: A total of 380 articles were initially screened, of which 75 are the basis of this bibliographic review. The immune checkpoint inhibitors monoclonal antibodies produce their beneficial effects by activating the patient’s immune system. This activation also results in adverse events that can affect any organ, whereas cutaneous toxicity is the most frequent and precocious. The adverse events of the programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand and of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 are similar (class effect), despite the apparent higher skin toxicity of inhibitors of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (or its use in combination with inhibitors of programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand). The most common cutaneous toxicities are maculopapular exanthema and pruritus, but other more specific adverse effects (e.g. lichenoid or psoriasiform reaction, vitiligo, sarcoidosis, among others) or located in the oral mucosa and/or adnexa are underreported.Conclusion: Given the high rate of cutaneous toxicity associated with new immune checkpoint inhibitors and their impact on quality of life, their early recognition and appropriate approach are crucial in the treatment of cancer patients. Observation by a dermatologist should be provided in patients with certain toxicities.



2017 ◽  
Vol 103 (2) ◽  
pp. 365-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Zhao ◽  
Sri Harsha Tella ◽  
Jaydira Del Rivero ◽  
Anuhya Kommalapati ◽  
Ifechukwude Ebenuwa ◽  
...  

Abstract Context Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including anti–programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), anti–programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1), and anti–cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (anti-CTLA4) monoclonal antibodies, have been widely used in cancer treatment. They are known to cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which resemble autoimmune diseases. Anterior pituitary hypophysitis with secondary hypopituitarism is a frequently reported irAE, especially in patients receiving anti–CTLA4 treatment. In contrast, posterior pituitary involvement, such as central diabetes insipidus (DI), is relatively rare and is unreported in patients undergoing PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Case Description We describe a case of a 73-year-old man with Merkel cell carcinoma who received the anti–PD-L1 monoclonal antibody avelumab and achieved partial response. The patient developed nocturia, polydipsia, and polyuria 3 months after starting avelumab. Further laboratory testing revealed central DI. Avelumab was held and he received desmopressin for the management of central DI. Within 6 weeks after discontinuation of avelumab, the patient’s symptoms resolved and he was eventually taken off desmopressin. The patient remained off avelumab and there were no signs or symptoms of DI 2 months after the discontinuation of desmopressin. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first report of central DI associated with anti–PD-L1 immunotherapy. The patient’s endocrinopathy was successfully managed by holding treatment with the immune checkpoint inhibitor. This case highlights the importance of early screening and appropriate management of hormonal irAEs in subjects undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors to minimize morbidity and mortality.



2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-60
Author(s):  
Cheuk Man Ho ◽  
Chi Chiu Mok

Abstract The development of immunotherapy has revolutionized the cancer treatment in the recent years. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis) such as anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (anti-CTLA-4) and anti-programmed cell death protein (anti-PD1) and its ligand (anti-PDL1) have become part of the standard treatment of various malignancies. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were common in patients treated with ICPis. Rheumatologists should be aware of the upcoming challenges in the management of irAEs in a patient receiving treatment with ICPis.



Author(s):  
Barbara Barnes Rogers, CRNP, MN, AOCN, ANP-BC ◽  
Carolyn Zawislak, MPAS, PA-C ◽  
Victoria Wong, PA-C

Immune checkpoint inhibitors target suppressor receptors, including cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). The activated T cells are not antigen specific; therefore, the blockade of the immune checkpoint may result in the development of autoimmune adverse events. The most common immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are rash, colitis, and endocrinopathies. However, irAEs that affect the hematologic system are rare and can affect red blood cells (e.g., autoimmune hemolytic anemia), white blood cells, and platelets (e.g., immune thrombocytopenia). Usually one cell line is affected; however, in some cases, multiple cell lines can be affected. Other changes in the hematologic system can also be affected (e.g., cryoglobulinemia, cytokine release syndrome). Due to the rarity and lack of recognition of these AEs, the timing, spectrum of events, and clinical presentation are poorly understood. Management of hematologic irAEs usually involves the use of steroids; however, other agents (e.g., IVIG, cyclosporine, rituximab) or procedures (e.g., plasma exchange, transfusions) can also be used.



BMJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. m736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karmela K Chan ◽  
Anne R Bass

Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibodies that target inhibitory molecules, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), or its ligand, programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1), and lead to immune activation in the tumor micro-environment. ICIs can induce durable treatment responses in patients with advanced cancers, but they are commonly associated with immune related adverse events (irAEs) such as rash, colitis, hepatitis, pneumonitis, and endocrine and musculoskeletal disorders. Almost all patients experience some form of irAE, but high grade irAEs occur in approximately half of those on combination therapy (eg, anti-CTLA-4 plus anti-PD-1), and up to one quarter receiving ICI monotherapy. Fatal irAEs occur in approximately 1.2% of patients on CTLA-4 blockade and 0.4% of patients receiving PD-1 or PD-L1 blockade, and case fatality rates are highest for myocarditis and myositis. IrAEs typically occur in the first three months after ICI initiation, but can occur as early as one day after the first dose to years after ICI initiation. The mainstay of treatment is with corticosteroids, but tumor necrosis factor inhibitors are commonly used for refractory irAEs. Although ICIs are generally discontinued when high grade irAEs occur, ICI discontinuation alone is rarely adequate to resolve irAEs. Consensus guidelines have been published to help guide management, but will likely be modified as our understanding of irAEs grows.



2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (8) ◽  
pp. 665-671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dipti M Karamchandani ◽  
Runjan Chetty

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) are a relatively new class of ‘miracle’ dugs that have revolutionised the treatment and prognosis of some advanced-stage malignancies, and have increased the survival rates significantly. This class of drugs includes cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 inhibitors such as ipilimumab; programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitors such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab and avelumab; and programmed cell death protein ligand-1 inhibitors such as atezolizumab. These drugs stimulate the immune system by blocking the coinhibitory receptors on the T cells and lead to antitumoural response. However, a flip side of these novel drugs is immune-related adverse events (irAEs), secondary to immune-mediated process due to disrupted self-tolerance. The irAEs in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract/liver may result in diarrhoea, colitis or hepatitis. An accurate diagnosis of CPI-induced colitis and/or hepatitis is essential for optimal patient management. As we anticipate greater use of these drugs in the future given the significant clinical response, pathologists need to be aware of the spectrum of histological findings that may be encountered in GI and/or liver biopsies received from these patients, as well as differentiate them from its histopathological mimics. This present review discusses the clinical features, detailed histopathological features, management and the differential diagnosis of the luminal GI and hepatic irAEs that may be encountered secondary to CPI therapy.



2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 92-101
Author(s):  
Vera Petrova ◽  
Ihor Arkhypov ◽  
Rebekka Weber ◽  
Christopher  Groth ◽  
Peter Altevogt ◽  
...  

Das Melanom gehört zu den am stärksten immunogenen Tumoren. Dennoch ist es in der Lage, sich einer antitumoralen Immunantwort zu entziehen, indem es Toleranzmechanismen, einschließlich negativer Immuncheckpoint-Moleküle, nutzt. Die am umfassendsten untersuchten Immuncheckpoints sind CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein-4) und PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1). Immuncheckpoint-Inhibitoren (ICI), die in den vergangenen 10 Jahren häufig zur Behandlung von Melanomen eingesetzt wurden, können antitumorale Immunreaktionen auslösen und eine Rückbildung des Melanoms bewirken. Patienten, die auf die ICI-Behandlung ansprachen, erreichten eine langanhaltende Remission oder einen Zustand der Krankheitskontrolle. Eine große Gruppe von Patienten sprach dagegen nicht auf diese Therapie an, was darauf hindeutet, dass es zu einer Entwicklung von Resistenzmechanismen kommt, darunter intrinsische Eigenschaften des Tumors, Funktionsstörungen der Effektorzellen und die Entstehung eines immunsuppressiven Tumormikromilieus (tumor microenvironment, TME). In der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit werden die Erfolge der ICI-Therapie bei Melanom, die Gründe für ein Therapieversagen und vielversprechende Ansätze zur Überwindung der Resistenz erörtert. Letztere umfassen die Kombination verschiedener ICI, Strategien zur Neutralisierung des immunsuppressiven Tumormikromilieus und die Kombination von ICI mit anderen antitumoralen Therapien wie Bestrahlung, onkolytische Viren oder zielgerichtete Therapien. Darüber hinaus werden neue therapeutische Ansätze, die gegen andere Immuncheckpoint-Moleküle gerichtet sind, ebenfalls besprochen.



2018 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 175346581775007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prantesh Jain ◽  
Chhavi Jain ◽  
Vamsidhar Velcheti

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, mainly drugs targeting the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) pathways, represent a remarkable advance in lung cancer treatment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 are approved for the treatment of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, with impressive clinical activity and durable responses in some patients. This review will summarize the mechanism of action of these drugs, the clinical development of these agents and the current role of these agents in the management of patients with lung cancer. In addition, the review will discuss the role of predictive biomarkers for optimal patient selection for immunotherapy and management of autoimmune side effects of these agents.



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