scholarly journals Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Cerebral Pseudoprogression: Patterns and Categorization

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans Urban ◽  
Eike Steidl ◽  
Elke Hattingen ◽  
Katharina Filipski ◽  
Markus Meissner ◽  
...  

BackgroundThe inclusion of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in therapeutic algorithms has led to significant survival benefits in patients with various metastatic cancers. Concurrently, an increasing number of neurological immune related adverse events (IRAE) has been observed. In this retrospective analysis, we examine the ICI-induced incidence of cerebral pseudoprogression and propose a classification system.MethodsWe screened our hospital information system to identify patients with any in-house ICI treatment for any tumor disease during the years 2007-2019. All patients with cerebral MR imaging (cMRI) of sufficient diagnostic quality were included. cMRIs were retrospectively analyzed according to immunotherapy response assessment for neuro-oncology (iRANO) criteria.ResultsWe identified 12 cases of cerebral pseudoprogression in 123 patients treated with ICIs and sufficient MRI. These patients were receiving ICI therapy for lung cancer (n=5), malignant melanoma (n=4), glioblastoma (n=1), hepatocellular carcinoma (n=1) or lymphoma (n=1) when cerebral pseudoprogression was detected. Median time from the start of ICI treatment to pseudoprogression was 5 months. All but one patient developed neurological symptoms. Three different patterns of cerebral pseudoprogression could be distinguished: new or increasing contrast-enhancing lesions, new or increasing T2 predominant lesions and cerebral vasculitis type pattern.ConclusionCerebral pseudoprogression followed three distinct patterns and was detectable in 3.2% of all patients during ICI treatment and in 9.75% of the patients with sufficient brain imaging follow up. The fact that all but one of the affected patients developed neurological symptoms, which would be classified as progressive disease according to iRANO criteria, mandates vigilance in the diagnosis and treatment of ICI-induced cerebral lesions.

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3707
Author(s):  
Marcus Skribek ◽  
Konstantinos Rounis ◽  
Dimitrios Makrakis ◽  
Sofia Agelaki ◽  
Dimitris Mavroudis ◽  
...  

There is lack of data addressing the intracranial (IC) efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) on brain metastases (BM) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This patient category is underrepresented in randomized clinical trials. We retrospectively collected clinical data on patients with non-oncogenic driven NSCLC with BM who were treated with ICIs at two medical oncology institutes in Sweden and Greece from 2016 to 2019. IC efficacy was assessed in patients who had not received local treatment for BM less than three months prior to the initiation of ICIs and had adequate radiological evaluation. We screened 280 patients, of which 51 had BM. BM was an independent predictor for inferior PFS (HR = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.53–3.36) but not OS (HR = 1.58; 95% CI, 0.97–2.60) for the whole patient population. IC response assessment was done on 33 patients. IC objective response rate (ORR) was 24.2%. The presence of neurological symptoms related to BM did not affect IC ORR (p = 0.48). High PD-L1 levels from extracranial biopsies were not a predictive factor for IC ORR (p = 0.13). ICIs are active in NSCLC patients with BM regardless of the presence of neurological symptoms and can achieve durable IC disease stabilization in a subgroup of patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1227.2-1227
Author(s):  
E. Berard ◽  
T. Barnetche ◽  
L. Rouxel ◽  
C. Dutriaux ◽  
L. Dousset ◽  
...  

Background:Description and initial management of rheumatic immune-related adverse-events (irAEs) from cancer immunotherapies have been reported by several groups but to date, few studies have evaluated the long-term outcomes and management of rheumatic irAEs (1).Objectives:To describe the long-term management and assess the one-year outcomes of patients who experienced rheumatic immune-related adverse events (irAEs) due to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).Methods:This was a single-centre prospective observational study including patients referred for musculoskeletal symptoms while treated with ICI. After baseline rheumatological evaluation defining the clinical entity presented, follow-up visits were organised according to the type and severity of irAE. At one year, persistence of irAE, ongoing treatment, as well as cancer outcomes were assessed.Results:63 patients were included between September 2015 and June 2018. 24 patients (38%) presented with non-inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions managed with short-term symptomatic treatment and did not require specific follow-up. 39 patients (62%) experienced inflammatory manifestations, mimicking either rheumatoid arthritis (RA, n=19), polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR, n=16), psoriatic arthritis (PsA, n=3) and one flare of a preexisting axial spondyloarthritis. Overall, 32 patients (82%) received systemic glucocorticoids, with a median rheumatic dosage of 15mg/day (range: 5-60mg/day). None of the patients had to permanently discontinue ICI therapy for rheumatic irAE. 20 patients (67%) were still receiving glucocorticoids at one year, with a median dosage of 5mg/day (range: 2-20mg/day). Glucocorticoids were more frequently discontinued for patients with RA-like condition (44%) than PMR-like condition (23%), but no other predictive factor of glucocorticoids withdrawal could be identified. At one year, overall survival and progression-free survival were comparable between patients who were still receiving glucocorticoids for rheumatic irAE and patients who have discontinued. Eight patients required csDMARDs.Conclusion:At one year, a majority of patients required long-term low-dose glucocorticoids for chronic rheumatic irAE, which seems not altering oncological control.References:[1]Braaten TJ, Brahmer JR, Forde PM, et al. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced inflammatory arthritis persists after immunotherapy cessation. Ann Rheum Dis. 2019 Sep 20.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. 446-446
Author(s):  
Marc-Oliver Grimm ◽  
Bernd Schmitz-Dräger ◽  
Uwe Zimmermann ◽  
Barbara Grün ◽  
Gustavo Bruno Baretton ◽  
...  

446 Background: Several PD-1 immune-checkpoint inhibitors including Nivolumab (Nivo) are approved in urothelial cancer. Recently, in the front line setting, improved activity of combined PD-L1 and CTLA4 immune-checkpoint inhibition has been reported and a phase III trial with Nivolumab + Ipilimumab (Nivo+Ipi) is ongoing. Here we report a response-based tailored approach starting treatment with Nivo monotherapy using Nivo+Ipi as immunotherapeutic “boost”. Methods: Between July 2017 and April 2019 86 patients were enrolled and treated according to protocol version 3 (cohort 1). Patients started with Nivo 240 mg Q2W induction. After 4 dosings and tumor assessment at week 8 (i) responders (PR/CR) to Nivo monotherapy continued with maintenance while (ii) patients with stable (SD) or progressive disease (PD) received 2 cycles Nivo3+Ipi1 followed by another 2 cycles Nivo1+Ipi3 if not responding. Median follow-up is 8.7 months. The primary endpoint is confirmed investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST1.1. Secondary endpoints include activity of Nivo monotherapy at week 8, remission rate with Nivo+Ipi “boosts”, safety, overall survival and quality of life. Results: Of the patients 42, 39 and 5 were first, second and third line, respectively. Median age was 67 years (range 45-84), 61 patients (71 %) were male and 25 female. ORR with Nivo monotherapy at first assessment (week 8) was 29 % and 23 % in first and second/third line, respectively. Of the patients 41 received Nivo+Ipi “boosts” after week 8 while 12 received later “boosts”. Best overall response (BOR) rate with Nivo induction ± Nivo+Ipi “boosts” was 48 % and 27 % in first and second/third line, respectively. In first line 7/17 (41 %) patients receiving Nivo+Ipi after week 8 had an improved response compared to 2/24 (8.3 %) in second/third line. Of the patients who continued with Nivo maintenance after week 8 and received later “boosts” 2/12 (17 %) had a PR and 2/12 (17 %) improved to SD. Treatment-related AEs will be presented. Conclusions: TITAN–TCC explores a response-driven use of Nivo+Ipi as an immunotherapeutic “boost”. In first line, this significantly improved ORR compared to the expected response rate of Nivo monotherapy, providing further evidence to the added value of Ipi in combination with Nivo. Further follow-up is ongoing to characterize duration and depth of response. Clinical trial information: NCT03219775 . Research Sponsor: Bristol-Myers Squibb[Table: see text]


Immunotherapy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adi Kartolo ◽  
Cynthia Yeung ◽  
Gordon T Moffat ◽  
Lilian Hanna ◽  
Wilma Hopman ◽  
...  

Aim: To evaluate the correlation between venous thromboembolism events (VTEs) and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based regimens. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 403 patients with advanced cancer on ICI-based regimens. Results: We report 8% VTE incidence post-ICI initiation over a median of 11.1 months of follow-up. Compared with single-agent ICI, dual-ICI was significantly correlated with higher incidence of VTE (odds ratio [OR]: 4.196, 95% CI: 1.527–11.529, p = 0.005), but chemotherapy–immuno-oncology combination was not (OR: 1.374, 95% CI: 0.285–6.632, p = 0.693). Subsequent systemic therapy post-ICI was also independently associated with higher VTE incidence (OR: 2.599, 95% CI: 1.169–5.777, p = 0.019). Conclusion: Our findings suggest potential underreporting of VTE incidence in ICI clinical trials. As dual-ICI is becoming more prevalent in cancer management, clinicians should maintain vigilance regarding VTE in patients with advanced cancer on ICI-based regimens.


Immunotherapy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 409-418
Author(s):  
Stijn J De Keukeleire ◽  
Tijl Vermassen ◽  
Zahra M Nezhad ◽  
Tessa Kerre ◽  
Vibeke Kruse ◽  
...  

More patients with chronic hepatitis B and C infection are being exposed to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), but the safety and efficacy of ICIs in patients with chronic viral hepatitis are still poorly described. To explore this interaction, we identified eight studies of cancer patients with viral hepatitis treated with one or more ICIs, formally assessed tumor responses and safety by grading liver dysfunction. ICIs appear to be relatively safe in HBV/HCV-infected patients, and hepatitis related to viral reactivation is rare. In some patients, viral load regressed during ICI treatment, so immune checkpoints may play a role in viral clearance. HBV/HCV do not appear to be a contraindication to ICIs, although careful clinical and biochemical follow-up is recommended and, whenever necessary, antiviral therapy commenced.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Lee ◽  
Zsofia D Drobni ◽  
Amna Zafar ◽  
Raza M Alvi ◽  
Sean P Murphy ◽  
...  

Introduction: The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is associated with an increase in cardiovascular events. The mechanism is likely related to immune activation and inflammation. Patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease have a baseline increased risk for cardiovascular disease and have been traditionally excluded from clinical trials of ICIs. There is limited data on the cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular safety of ICIs in these patients. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 2845 patients treated with an ICI at the Massachusetts General Hospital. This cohort was screened by individual chart review for patients with a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease prior to ICI therapy. These autoimmune patients were compared to controls at a 1:2 ratio. Baseline characteristics and risk of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular immune related adverse events (iRAEs) were compared. Cardiovascular events were a composite of myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or myocarditis. Results: 93 patients had a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease prior to ICI. These patients were more likely to be older and to have a history of coronary artery disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. There were 12 events over a median follow-up period of 300 days. There was no significant difference in composite of cardiovascular events in follow-up (13 vs. 9.1%, autoimmune vs. none, P =0.41). The individual cardiovascular event rates were as follows: MI (4.3 vs. 0.5%, P =0.04), PCI (0 vs. 0.5%, P =1), CABG (0. vs. 0.5%, P =1), stroke (0 vs. 0%), TIA (0 vs. 0.5%, P =1), DVT (5.4 vs. 2.2%, P =0.17), PE (1.1 vs. 4.8%, P =0.17), and myocarditis (2.2 vs. 1.1%, P =0.60). There was an increased rate of pneumonitis (14 vs. 4%, P <0.001) and skin toxicity (16 vs. 0%, P <0.001). Conclusions: Patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease treated with an ICI had a higher baseline cardiovascular risk but did not have a significant increase in cardiovascular events in an unadjusted analysis. These patients did, however, have an increased rate of pneumonitis and skin toxicity after ICI.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i21-i21
Author(s):  
Norbert Galldiks ◽  
Diana Abdulla ◽  
Matthias Scheffler ◽  
Viola Schweinsberg ◽  
Max Schlaak ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Due to the lack of specificity of contrast-enhanced (CE) MRI, both the response assessment and differentiation of progression from pseudoprogression (PsP) following immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) or targeted therapy (TT) may be challenging, especially when ICI or TT is applied in combination with radiotherapy (RT). Here, we evaluated the value of amino acid PET using O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (FET) as a problem-solving tool in comparison to CE-MRI in patients with brain metastases (BM) secondary to malignant melanoma (MM) and NSCLC. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 31 patients with 74 BM secondary to MM (n=20 with 42 BM) and NSCLC (n=11 with 32 BM) who underwent 52 FET-PET scans during the course of disease. All patients had RT prior to ICI or TT initiation (61%) or RT concurrent to ICI or TT (39%). In 13 patients, FET-PET was performed for treatment response assessment of ICI or TT using baseline and follow-up scans (median time between scans, 4.2 months). In the remaining 18 patients, FET-PET was used for the differentiation of progression from PsP related to RT plus ICI or TT. In all BM, metabolic activity on FET-PET was evaluated by calculation of tumor/brain ratios. FET-PET imaging findings were compared to CE-MRI and correlated to the clinical follow-up or neuropathological findings after neuroimaging. RESULTS: In 4 of 13 patients (31%), FET-PET provided additional information for treatment response evaluation beyond the information provided by CE-MRI alone. Furthermore, responding patients on FET-PET had a median stable clinical follow-up of 10 months. In 10 of 18 patients (56%) with CE-MRI findings suggesting progression, FET-PET detected PsP. In 9 of these 10 patients, PsP was confirmed by a median stable clinical follow-up of 11 months. CONCLUSIONS: FET-PET may add valuable information for treatment monitoring in individual BM patients undergoing RT in combination with ICI or TT.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilia Nan Tie ◽  
Julia Lai-Kwon ◽  
Michael Alexander Rtshiladze ◽  
Lumine Na ◽  
James Bozzi ◽  
...  

BackgroundThe efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in metastatic melanoma is well established. However, there are limited data regarding their efficacy in in-transit melanoma (ITM). This study assessed the efficacy of ICI in patients with ITM.MethodsA retrospective review of patients with ITM commenced on an ICI between March 2013 and February 2018 at three tertiary centers in Australia. Patients were excluded if they had previous or synchronous distant metastases. Overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were based on a composite of radiological and clinical assessments.ResultsFifty-four patients were included: 27 (50%) female; median age 75 (range 26–94); 12 (22%) stage IIIB, 40 (74%) stage IIIC and 2 (4%) stage IIID; 10 (19%) BRAF mutant. Forty (74%) received single-agent anti-PD-1 (pembrolizumab or nivolumab), 8 (15%) single agent anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab), 5 (9%) combination anti-PD-1/anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab and nivolumab or pembrolizumab) and 1 (2%) combination anti-PD-L1 (atezolizumab) and MEK inhibitor (cobimetinib). The median follow-up was 15 months (2–46).ORR to ICI was 54%: 14 (26%) complete responses; 15 (28%) partial responses; 9 (17%) stable disease; 16 (30%) progressive disease. Thirteen (46%) responders had only one ITM lesion. ORR was 58% for single-agent anti-PD-1, 38% for single-agent anti-CTLA4 and 40% for anti-PD-1/anti-CTLA-4. The median PFS was 11.7 months (6.6-not reached). 1-year and 2-year PFS were 48% and 39%, respectively,. Fourteen progressed locoregionally and 11 progressed distantly. The median OS was not reached. 1-year and 2-year OS were 85% and 63%, respectively. No clinicopathological features were associated with ORR.Conclusions and relevanceICI produce objective responses in ITM and should be considered in patients with unresectable ITM or disease recurrence.


2019 ◽  
Vol 145 (3) ◽  
pp. 765-774 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanna Iivanainen ◽  
Tuomo Alanko ◽  
Katriina Peltola ◽  
Teemu Konkola ◽  
Jussi Ekström ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (8_suppl) ◽  
pp. 66-66
Author(s):  
Ziad Bakouny ◽  
Sarah Abou Alaiwi ◽  
Amin Nassar ◽  
John A. Steinharter ◽  
Xiao X. Wei ◽  
...  

66 Background: Patients with mRCC with S/R components tend to have a poor prognosis with few therapeutic options available. Recent data suggest that immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based therapies may be especially effective for these patients. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of ICI-based therapies in patients with S/R mRCC. Methods: We retrospectively assessed objective response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS) & overall survival (OS) of patients with S/R mRCC treated at our institution with first-line ICI-based therapies and compared these to those of patients treated with first-line non-ICI-based therapies. Univariable and multivariable (adjusted for IMDC group) Cox and logistic regressions were performed. Results: 92 patients (70 S, 9 R, and 13 S&R) patients were included, of which 74 with a clear-cell component. For all patients (regardless of therapy), 74 (80.4%) patients experienced a PFS event (progression or death) and 52 (56.5%) died at 25.3 months (m) median follow-up. Overall median PFS was 5.3 m (95% CI= 3.4–7.2) and 24 m OS rate was 39.5% (27.4–51.7). Out of 78 patients in whom response was evaluable, ORR was 30.8% (20.4–41.2). Patients treated with ICI-based therapies had significantly better ORR, PFS, and OS on multivariable analysis (table). Conclusions: mRCC patients with S/R components have significantly better ORR, PFS, and OS with first-line ICI-based compared to non-ICI-based therapies. These data support the use of ICI-based therapies for patients with S/R mRCC. [Table: see text]


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