scholarly journals OR32-06 Opportunistic Assessment of Pituitary Gland with Routine MRI and PET/CT Can Guide in Earlier and Increased Identification of Hypophysitis in Patients Treated with Combination Checkpoint Inhibitors

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Galligan ◽  
Amir Iravani ◽  
Arian Lasocki ◽  
Roslyn Wallace ◽  
Alison Weppler ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Hypophysitis is one of the commonly reported adverse events related to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), and the incidence is expected to rise with increased use of combined programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA4) blockade. The clinical diagnosis can be delayed due to non-specific symptoms. At our centre, subjects undergo periodic imaging to assess tumour response to ICI. We reviewed whether neuroimaging studies can guide us in the diagnosis of hypophysitis and whether early changes can be detected before the onset of the clinical syndrome. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts, biochemistry, structural brain imaging and whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) with specific reference to hypophysitis in 162 patients treated with combination ICI at a tertiary melanoma referral centre. Suspected cases were identified based on meeting one or more of the following criteria: 1) A documented diagnosis of hypophysitis or pituitary dysfunction found on chart review, 2) A relative change in pituitary size or appearance from baseline on neuroimaging studies, or 3) An increase in pituitary maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) greater than 25% from baseline on 18F-FDG PET. Results: 58/162 patients (36%) met criteria for suspected hypophysitis. Only 4 patients were identified on routine screening of early morning cortisol. 14 patients presented with symptoms leading to biochemical work up. A further 40 patients were found to have suspicious imaging changes, 13 of which went on to receive a formal diagnosis of hypophysitis. Of the remaining 27 patients, 23 were receiving high dose glucocorticoids for concomitant immune related adverse events at the time of the abnormal imaging study.Conclusion: We report the highest incidence to date of suspected hypophysitis in cohort of patients treated with combination ICI. This study highlights the important role of structural and functional neuroimaging in the early recognition of hypophysitis. Imaging may also play a role when the clinical syndrome is masked by concurrent glucocorticoid use.

2018 ◽  
Vol 89 (6) ◽  
pp. A13.3-A14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Silsby ◽  
Stephen R Duma ◽  
Neil Mahant ◽  
Steve Vucic ◽  
Andrew Henderson

IntroductionMonoclonal antibodies directed against co-stimulatory molecules on T cells (checkpoint inhibitors, CIs) are used to treat solid organ malignancies. Neurological complications are an increasingly recognised consequence of their use. We present three patients referred to the Neurology service at Westmead Hospital in 2017 with new neurological complaints following CI therapy.CasesPatient 1, a 54 year old woman with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer treated with pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1), presented with cerebral vasculitis causing bilateral ACA territory cerebral infarction. Patient 2, a 59 year old woman with metastatic melanoma treated with ipilimumab (anti-CTLA4) and nivolumab (anti-PD-1), presented with ataxia, diplopia and ptosis consistent with Miller Fisher syndrome. Patient 3, a 77 year old woman with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma treated with nivolumab (anti-PD-1), presented with ocular myasthenia manifesting as fatigable ptosis and complex ophthalmoplegia.The diagnoses were made by clinical assessment with imaging and neurophysiological investigations where possible. Antibodies relevant to the neurological condition were negative, in keeping with previous reports. CIs were discontinued in all patients. Treatment included intravenous pulsed methylprednisolone followed by high dose oral taper in all patients. Additionally, Patient 1 was treated with infliximab and rituximab; Patients 2 and 3 received intravenous immunoglobulin followed by monthly maintenance therapy; Patient 2 underwent plasma exchange. Patients 1 and 2 recovered independent ambulation. Patient 3 died two months after presentation due to underlying malignancy.ConclusionCheckpoint inhibitors block co-stimulatory molecules on T-cells, allowing the immune system to mount an anti-tumour response. The resulting immune dysregulation can also lead to organ-specific inflammatory and immune complications, of which neurological sequelae are increasingly recognised. The three reported patients highlight the spectrum of disease that can arise. Their occurrence within one year suggests an increasing incidence, and a need for increased vigilance. Early recognition is paramount as treatment with high dose corticosteroids, even in conditions that would not normally respond, is recommended.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mami Ishibashi ◽  
Yoshihiro Ishida ◽  
Atsushi Otsuka ◽  
Shuji Yamamoto ◽  
Kenji Kabashima

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 954-960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine E Renna ◽  
Elizabeth N Dow ◽  
Jason J Bergsbaken ◽  
Ticiana A Leal

Introduction The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment and is now a part of the treatment paradigm for several malignancies. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors are generally well tolerated, treatment is associated with immune-related adverse events, some serious and potentially life threatening. Early identification and prompt appropriate management of immune-related adverse events are crucial to prevent morbidity and mortality. The complexity and severity of immune-related adverse events require interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize care. Patient and caregiver education and continued communication between patients and members of the oncology care team are vital for timely recognition and successful management of immune-related adverse events. The objective of this program is to provide a proof of concept; a pharmacist-led immune checkpoint inhibitor management program will increase early recognition and management of immune-related adverse events through patient and caregiver education and proactively assessing patients for toxicities. Methods At the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, we developed and implemented a pharmacist-driven program, referred to as the immune checkpoint inhibitor program, which aimed to ensure patient and caregiver education and continuous monitoring of immune-related adverse events. This program utilized pharmacist–patient encounters to improve patient and caregiver education and follow-up monitoring. The design and implementation are detailed. Pharmacist interventions and patient outcomes were evaluated. Results At interim analysis, 47 patients were enrolled in the program and pharmacists completed 34 interventions on 26 patients. Pharmacists are well positioned to educate patients and caregivers on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and provide proactive monitoring to detect immune-related adverse events. We hypothesize that the interventions made by pharmacist may lead to earlier recognition and treatment of immune-related adverse events.


2020 ◽  
pp. 030089162095346
Author(s):  
Nilay Sengul Samanci ◽  
Duygu Ilke Cikman ◽  
Kerem Oruc ◽  
Sahin Bedir ◽  
Emir Çelik ◽  
...  

Introduction: With the widespread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), we are facing challenges in the management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We aimed to characterize the spectrum of toxicity, management, and outcomes for irAEs. Methods: Patients who were treated with at least one ICI in clinical trials, expanded access programs, or routine clinical practice were included. Clinical and laboratory parameters were collected retrospectively to determine the incidence of irAEs, methods of management, and treatment outcomes. Results: A total of 255 patients were screened retrospectively. Of these, 71 (27.8%) patients developed irAEs. More than 2 different types of irAEs were detected in 16 (6.2%) out of 255 patients. A total of 3177 doses were given to 255 patients. In 93 (2.9%) of the 3177 doses, 1 episode of irAEs was experienced. A total of 22 out of 93 (23.7%) episodes were reported as grade 1, 49 (52.7%) as grade 2, 19 (20.4%) as grade 3, and 3 (3.2%) as grade 4. The most frequently seen irAEs were pneumonitis, hepatitis, and hypothyroidism. With regard to treatment, 39 out of 93 episodes (42%) of any grade irAEs occurred after anti–programmed cell death-1 therapy, 47 (50.5%) occurred following administration of anti–programmed death-ligand 1, and 7 (7.5%) occurred after combination treatments. Conclusion: With the increased use of immunotherapeutic agents, increased awareness and early recognition are required for effective management of irAEs. Our experience as a single institution might be of use for health care providers in oncology.


2020 ◽  
pp. 107815522096979
Author(s):  
Jade L Hefler ◽  
Lauren M Bailey ◽  
Cynthia El Rahi ◽  
Amy C Schefler ◽  
Eric H Bernicker

Background Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has demonstrated durable responses and remarkable antitumor effects in a variety of cancers. Although these agents are generally well-tolerated, patients can experience immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that require prompt recognition by healthcare providers. Immune-related ocular toxicities are rare, but serious adverse events have been reported with the use of checkpoint inhibitors. Case presentation: Here, we describe a rare case of panuveitis during Nivolumab and Ipilimumab combination treatment in a patient being treated for recurrent Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). The patient was managed with an injection of Ozurdex (Allergan, Madison, NJ), a dexamethasone intravitreal implant. The patient had a resolution of inflammation and an improvement in her vision and was able to resume nivolumab monotherapy without recurrence of the panuveitis. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of early recognition of ocular irAEs by ocular oncologists and the successful approach to treatment of immunotherapy-induced panuveitis in order to avoid permanent cessation of therapy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 204201881989618 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edson Nogueira ◽  
Tom Newsom-Davis ◽  
Daniel L. Morganstein

Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has transformed the treatment of cancer, but frequently results in immune-mediated adverse events affecting multiple organs, amongst which endocrine adverse events are frequent. The patterns of endocrine adverse events differ between inhibitors of the CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways, but most frequently involve the thyroid and pituitary with insulin deficient diabetes also emerging as an important adverse event. These frequently result in long-lasting hormone deficiency requiring replacement. This review explores the mechanism of action of checkpoint inhibitors and details the expected endocrine adverse events and typical presentations. The effect of high-dose glucocorticoids therapy to treat nonendocrine adverse events is also discussed.


Author(s):  
Mattia Brigida ◽  
Alessia Perricelli ◽  
Fausto Sposato ◽  
Maria Giovanna Spadafora ◽  
Angelo Pomillo ◽  
...  

Background: The widespread use of immunotherapy drugs in the oncological field has led to the spread of new toxicities compared to the more common chemotherapy treatments. This is because immunotherapy with anti-CTLA-4 (Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes-Associated Antigen 4), anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies has become the standard-of-care in a growing number of indications. Any organ or tissue can be involved, but more commonly side effects are reported regarding skin, colon, endocrine glands, liver, lung and kidney. Other less frequent, but more serious, adverse events are neurological and myocarditis. Methods: We performed an electronic search on PUBMED of the literature concerning immunotherapy-related toxicities and their management in oncological patients from 2007 to 2020, with particular attention to the most recent publications. Aim: To summarize the different types of immunotherapy-related toxicities, together with their incidence and diagnosis, and to simplify their management, especially in the emergency setting. Conclusion: Usually, for grade I toxicities it is not recommended to stop immunotherapy; for most of grade II toxicities, immunotherapy should be postponed to when toxicity will have regressed to grade I, considering the possibility of a corticosteroid treatment for most of toxicities. The majority of grade III and IV require administration of high-dose corticosteroid intravenous therapy and suspension of immunotherapy. Mortality related to immune checkpoint inhibitors’ toxicity, occurring at a rate of 0.3-1.3%, is well below fatality rates due to other oncologic interventions and should not discourage the promising results so far reached by immunotherapy.


Author(s):  
Crescens Tiu ◽  
Rajiv Shinde ◽  
Abhijit Pal ◽  
Andrea Biondo ◽  
Alex Lee ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Introduction Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly a standard of care for many cancers; these agents can result in immune-related adverse events (irAEs) including fever, which is common but can rarely be associated with systemic immune activation (SIA or acquired HLH). Methods All consecutive patients receiving ICIs in the Drug Development Unit of the Royal Marsden Hospital between May 2014 and November 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with fever ≥ 38°C or chills/rigors (without fever) ≤ 6 weeks of commencing ICIs were identified for clinical data collection. Results Three patients met diagnostic criteria for SIA/HLH with median time to onset of symptoms of 10 days. We describe the clinical evolution, treatment used, and outcomes for these patients. High-dose steroids are used first-line with other treatments, such as tocilizumab, immunoglobulin and therapeutic plasmapheresis can be considered for steroid-refractory SIA/HLH. Conclusion SIA/HLH post ICI is a rare but a potentially fatal irAE that presents with fever and a constellation of nonspecific symptoms. Early recognition and timely treatment are key to improving outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 511-514
Author(s):  
L. Peverelli ◽  
A. De Rosa ◽  
E. Domina ◽  
P. Ciscato ◽  
G. Sita ◽  
...  

Immune-related adverse events (irAE) during the administration of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) become more evident due to the increased use of these therapies. To remind the importance of early recognition of this phenomenon, we report a paradigmatic case characterized by severe systemic inflammatory myopathy and severe cardiac involvement that abruptly precipitated in an untoward ending after one single dose of Pembrolizumab.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 190-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlies De Bock ◽  
Eva Hulstaert ◽  
Vibeke Kruse ◽  
Lieve Brochez

Objective: The incidence of immune-related adverse events is growing as the use of checkpoint inhibitors is exponentially increasing. Cutaneous adverse events are among the most frequent immune-related adverse events. The purpose of this case report and literature review is to highlight psoriasis as a potential adverse event with need for early recognition. Case Report and Literature Review: We describe the case of a 65-year-old woman with psoriasis exacerbation while treated with nivolumab (anti-PD-1) for a stage IV melanoma. She had a history of scalp psoriasis but she presented with psoriatic lesions on both lower and upper limbs. Our patient was treated with topical steroids. So far, 34 other cases with an exacerbation of psoriasis during treatment with anti-PDL-1 or PD-1 therapy have been reported in the literature. A broad range of therapies are described, without any available guidelines for this particular condition. Conclusion: Psoriasis exacerbation is an established side effect of PD-1/PDL-1 checkpoint inhibitors with 35 reported cases. Early recognition and management are challenging as there are no clear guidelines available. A close collaboration between oncologist and dermatologist is mandatory to manage this immune-related adverse event.


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