scholarly journals Rheumatic Immune-Related Adverse Events—A Consequence of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 561
Author(s):  
Anca Bobircă ◽  
Florin Bobircă ◽  
Ioan Ancuta ◽  
Alesandra Florescu ◽  
Vlad Pădureanu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cancer Cell Growth ◽  
Inhibitory Mechanisms ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

The advent of immunotherapy has changed the management and therapeutic methods for a variety of malignant tumors in the last decade. Unlike traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy, which works by interfering with cancer cell growth via various pathways and stages of the cell cycle, cancer immunotherapy uses the immune system to reduce malignant cells’ ability to escape the immune system and combat cell proliferation. The widespread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) over the past 10 years has presented valuable information on the profiles of toxic adverse effects. The attenuation of T-lymphocyte inhibitory mechanisms by ICIs results in immune system hyperactivation, which, as expected, is associated with various adverse events defined by inflammation. These adverse events, known as immune-related adverse events (ir-AEs), may affect any type of tissue throughout the human body, which includes the digestive tract, endocrine glands, liver and skin, with reports of cardiovascular, pulmonary and rheumatic ir-AEs as well. The adverse events that arise from ICI therapy are both novel and unique compared to those of the conventional treatment options. Thus, they require a multidisciplinary approach and continuous updates on the diagnostic approach and management.

scholarly journals A new biological triangle in cancer: intestinal microbiota, immune checkpoint inhibitors and antibiotics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Zhang ◽  
Zhujiang Dai ◽  
Cheng Yan ◽  
Wenjie Zhang ◽  
Daorong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy ◽  
Rational Use Of Antibiotics

AbstractCancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of many malignant tumors. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can reactivate the anti-tumor activity of immune cells, sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy depends on the complex tumor immune processes. In recent years, numerous researches have demonstrated the role of intestinal microbiota in immunity and metabolism of the tumor microenvironment, as well as the efficacy of immunotherapy. Epidemiological studies have further demonstrated the efficacy of antibiotic therapy on the probability of patients' response to ICIs and predictability of the short-term survival of cancer patients. Disturbance to the intestinal microbiota significantly affects ICIs-mediated immune reconstitution and is considered a possible mechanism underlying the development of adverse effects during antibiotic-based ICIs treatment. Intestinal microbiota, antibiotics, and ICIs have gradually become important considerations for the titer of immunotherapy. In the case of immunotherapy, the rational use of antibiotics and intestinal microbiota is expected to yield a better prognosis for patients with malignant tumors.

scholarly journals Immune-related adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors: a brief review

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Myers
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Hematologic Malignancies ◽  
T Cell Response ◽  
Proactive Management ◽  
Organ Systems

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (icis) such as inhibitors of ctla-4, PD-1, and PD-L1, given as monotherapy or combination therapy have emerged as effective treatment options for immune-sensitive solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. The benefits of icis can be offset by immune-related adverse events (iraes) that leave all organ systems vulnerable and subsequently increase the risk for morbidity and mortality.Because of fluctuating onset and prolonged duration, the toxicities associated with iraes represent a shift from the understanding of conventional anticancer toxicities. The ctla-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors modulate T-cell response differently, resulting in distinct toxicity patterns, toxicity kinetics, and dose–toxicity relationships. Using individualized patient education, screening, and assessment for the early identification of iraes is key to proactive management and is therefore key to improving outcomes and prolonging therapy.Management of iraes is guided by appropriate grading, which sets the stage for the treatment setting (outpatient vs. inpatient), ici treatment course (delay vs. discontinuation), supportive care, corticosteroid use, organ specialist consultation, and additional immunosuppression. Health care professionals in oncology must work collaboratively with emergency and community colleagues to facilitate an understanding of iraes in an effort to optimize seamless care.

Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Induced by Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors

Digestion ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Shunichi Yanai ◽  
Yosuke Toya ◽  
Tamotsu Sugai ◽  
Takayuki Matsumoto
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Architectural Distortion ◽  
Management Guidelines ◽  
Crypt Abscess ◽  
Gastrointestinal Adverse Events ◽  
Histopathologic Findings

<b><i>Background:</i></b> As immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are becoming standard therapies for malignant tumors, increasing attention has been paid to their associated immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The gastrointestinal tract is the major site of irAEs, and it has recently become evident that the large bowel is the most frequently affected region. The aim of this narrative review was to clarify the endoscopic and histopathologic findings of and treatments for ICI-induced colitis. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> Endoscopic findings of ICI-induced colitis include a reddish, edematous mucosa with increased mucous exudate, loss of normal vascularity, and a granular mucosa with or without mucosal breaks. Histopathologic findings of ICI-induced colitis are expansion of the lamina propria, intraepithelial infiltration of neutrophils, crypt architectural distortion, neutrophilic crypt abscess, and prominent apoptosis. The clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic severity of ICI-induced colitis is diverse, but colonoscopy together with biopsy is necessary for diagnosis. While a certain proportion of patients with ICI-induced colitis have an intractable clinical course, management guidelines are based on retrospective analyses. Prospective studies are needed to assess the efficacy of various medications, including immunosuppressive regimens. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> Colonoscopy with biopsy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of ICI-induced colitis. Endoscopists should be aware of the clinical features and pathophysiology of ICI-induced colitis for prompt diagnosis and treatment planning.

scholarly journals Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Patients With Preexisting Inflammatory Bowel Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 576-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamzah Abu-Sbeih ◽  
David M. Faleck ◽  
Biagio Ricciuti ◽  
Robin B. Mendelsohn ◽  
Abdul R. Naqash ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
T Lymphocyte ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Inhibitor Therapy ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

PURPOSE The risk of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy–related GI adverse events in patients with cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been well described. We characterized GI adverse events in patients with underlying IBD who received immune checkpoint inhibitors. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a multicenter, retrospective study of patients with documented IBD who received immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy between January 2010 and February 2019. Backward selection and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to assess risk of GI adverse events. RESULTS Of the 102 included patients, 17 received therapy targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4, and 85 received monotherapy targeting programmed cell death 1 or its ligand. Half of the patients had Crohn’s disease, and half had ulcerative colitis. The median time from last active IBD episode to immunotherapy initiation was 5 years (interquartile range, 3-12 years). Forty-three patients were not receiving treatment of IBD. GI adverse events occurred in 42 patients (41%) after a median of 62 days (interquartile range, 33-123 days), a rate higher than that among similar patients without underlying IBD who were treated at centers participating in the study (11%; P < .001). GI events among patients with IBD included grade 3 or 4 diarrhea in 21 patients (21%). Four patients experienced colonic perforation, 2 of whom required surgery. No GI adverse event–related deaths were recorded. Anti–cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 therapy was associated with increased risk of GI adverse events on univariable but not multivariable analysis (odds ratio, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.8 to 9.48; P = .037; and odds ratio, 4.72; 95% CI, 0.95 to 23.53; P = .058, respectively). CONCLUSION Preexisting IBD increases the risk of severe GI adverse events in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

scholarly journals Management of rheumatic complications of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy – an oncological perspective

Rheumatology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (Supplement_7) ◽  
pp. vii29-vii39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil M Steven ◽  
Benjamin A Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
Myasthenic Crisis ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy ◽  
The Common ◽  
Risk And Benefit

Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) are an effective treatment for many cancers but cause diverse immune-related adverse events (IrAEs). Rheumatological IrAEs include arthralgia, arthritis, tenosynovitis, myositis, polymyalgia rheumatica and sicca syndrome. CPI use can unmask RA as well as causing flares of prior autoimmune or connective tissue disease. Oncologists categorize and grade IrAEs using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events and manage them according to international guidelines. However, rheumatological events are unfamiliar territory: oncologists need to work with rheumatologists to elicit and assess symptoms, signs, results of imaging and autoantibody testing and to determine the use of steroids and DMARDs. Myositis may overlap with myasthenic crisis and myocarditis and can be life-threatening. Treatment should be offered on balance of risk and benefit, including whether to continue CPI treatment and recognizing the uncertainty over whether glucocorticoids and DMARDs might compromise cancer control.

Autoimmune encephalitis associated with Ma2 antibodies and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 256-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shane Lyons ◽  
Ronan Joyce ◽  
Patrick Moynagh ◽  
Luke O'Donnell ◽  
Silive Blazkova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Autoimmune Encephalitis ◽  
Advanced Malignancy ◽  
Temporal Lobes ◽  
Stage 4 ◽  
Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed the treatment of advanced malignancy, while increasing the risk of immune-related adverse events. A 56-year-old woman who had received nivolumab for stage 4 renal cell carcinoma subsequently developed altered behaviour, memory deficits and worsening of previously stable epilepsy. MR scan of the brain showed bilateral FLAIR (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery) hyperintensity of the mesial temporal lobes, and there were anti-Ma2 antibodies in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid. She was treated with corticosteroids but developed further clinical relapses requiring immunoglobulin and rituximab. The immune-related adverse events relating to immune checkpoint inhibitors are an emerging challenge for the neurologist. Some cases are refractory and require serial immunosuppression.

scholarly journals Mechanisms of immune-related adverse events during the treatment of cancer with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Rheumatology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (Supplement_7) ◽  
pp. vii59-vii67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia C Weinmann ◽  
David S Pisetsky
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Immunosuppressive Treatment ◽  
Cell Repertoire ◽  
Autoantibody Production ◽  
Rheumatic Manifestations ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

AbstractImmune checkpoint inhibitors are novel biologic agents to treat cancer by inhibiting the regulatory interactions that limit T cell cytotoxicity to tumours. Current agents target either CTLA-4 or the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Because checkpoints may also regulate autoreactivity, immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy is complicated by side effects known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The aim of this article is to review the mechanisms of these events. irAEs can involve different tissues and include arthritis and other rheumatic manifestations. The frequency of irAEs is related to the checkpoint inhibited, with the combination of agents more toxic. Because of their severity, irAEs can limit therapy and require immunosuppressive treatment. The mechanisms leading to irAEs are likely similar to those promoting anti-tumour responses and involve expansion of the T cell repertoire; furthermore, immune checkpoint inhibitors can affect B cell responses and induce autoantibody production. Better understanding of the mechanisms of irAEs will be important to improve patient outcome as well as quality of life during treatment.

Biomarkers to predict immune-related adverse events with checkpoint inhibitors.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (8_suppl) ◽  
pp. 131-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lia Head ◽  
Nicholas Gorden ◽  
Robert Van Gulick ◽  
Carol M. Amato ◽  
Ashley Frazer-Abel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Inhibitor Therapy ◽  
Tnf Alpha ◽  
Immune Markers ◽  
Ifn Alpha ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

131 Background: Immune-related adverse events (IRAE) occur commonly with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for the treatment of cancer, although the specific event and severity can vary widely. Little is known regarding factors that may predict which patients will develop an IRAE. The goal of this study is to identify blood biomarkers predictive of IRAE associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Methods: Blood samples collected from patients with melanoma prior to receiving therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors were obtained from the University of Colorado Skin Cancer Biorepository. Testing for a panel of autoantibodies and cytokines (ANA, CCP 3.1, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IP-10, MCP-1, TNF alpha, IFN alpha 2, IFN gamma) in serum samples from patients who had at least one documented IRAE was performed by Exsera BioLabs. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate biomarker levels in relation to type, grade, and number of adverse events. Results: Pre-treatment samples from 45 patients were evaluated. Median age was 55; 26 were male and 19 were female. The most common IRAEs were colitis (n = 22), thyroid dysfunction (n = 21), and dermatitis (n = 20). Most IRAEs were grade 2 in severity, and the majority of patients (n = 36) experienced more than 1 IRAE. TNF alpha was elevated in 60% of patient samples, while IFN alpha 2 was elevated in 44%. Borderline ANA was detected in 27% of samples and ANA was positive in 11%. No samples had elevation of IL-2. Between 9% and 18% of samples had elevation of the other immune markers tested (IFN gamma, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and CCP 3.1). Elevation of TNF alpha and IFN alpha 2 were associated with higher grades of IRAEs. No associations between immune markers and the number or type of adverse events in an individual patient were noted. Results from 15 patients who did not have a documented IRAE on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy are currently pending to confirm these findings are unique to patients developing IRAE. Conclusions: This preliminary data suggests that baseline elevations of TNF alpha and IFN alpha 2 may predict development of IRAEs with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Results from samples from patients who did not develop an IRAE on therapy will be reported at the meeting.

scholarly journals Pulmonary adverse events due to immune checkpoint inhibitors: A literature review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou ◽  
Nikolaos Garmpis ◽  
Dimitrios Mermigkis ◽  
Christos Damaskos ◽  
Serafeim Chlapoutakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Cancer Immunotherapy ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis ◽  
Pulmonary Nodules ◽  
Airway Disease

Cancer immunotherapy aims to stimulate the immune system to fight against tumors, utilizing the presentation of molecules on the surface of the malignant cells that can be recognized by the antibodies of the immune system. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, a type of cancer immunotherapy, are broadly used in different types of cancer, improving patients’ survival and quality of life. However, treatment with these agents causes immune-related toxicities affecting many organs. The most frequent pulmonary adverse event is pneumonitis representing a non-infective inflammation localized to the interstitium and alveoli. Other lung toxicities include airway disease, pulmonary vasculitis, sarcoid-like reactions, infections, pleural effusions, pulmonary nodules, diaphragm myositis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. This review aims to summarize these pulmonary adverse events, underlining the significance of an optimal expeditious diagnosis and management.   

scholarly journals Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors-Related Thyroid Dysfunction: Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation, Possible Pathogenesis, and Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling Zhan ◽  
Hong-fang Feng ◽  
Han-qing Liu ◽  
Lian-tao Guo ◽  
Chuang Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Thyroid Dysfunction ◽  
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Killing Effect ◽  
Cell Death Gene

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a group of drugs employed in the treatment of various types of malignant tumors and improve the therapeutic effect. ICIs blocks negative co-stimulatory molecules, such as programmed cell death gene-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), reactivating the recognition and killing effect of the immune system on tumors. However, the reactivation of the immune system can also lead to the death of normal organs, tissues, and cells, eventually leading to immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). IRAEs involve various organs and tissues and also cause thyroid dysfunction. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, possible pathogenesis, and management of ICIs-related thyroid dysfunction.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document