scholarly journals Gastrointestinal disorders as immune-related adverse events

Author(s):  
Daniele Balducci ◽  
Claudia Quatraccioni ◽  
Antonio Benedetti ◽  
Marco Marzioni ◽  
Luca Maroni

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 inhibitors, programmed cell death 1 inhibitors and programmed cell death-ligand 1 inhibitors, have recently emerged as novel drugs in the anti-cancer therapy. Their use in different types of advanced cancer has shown good results and an increase in survival rates. However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are frequent and often require special care. IrAEs may affect all the organs, but they are most commonly seen in skin, lungs, endocrine glands and in the gastrointestinal tract where small bowel, colon, the liver and/or the pancreas can be involved. Despite being usually mild and self-resolving, irAEs may present in severe and life-threatening forms, causing the withdrawal of anti-cancer therapy. IrAEs, therefore, represent a challenging condition to manage that often requires the cooperation between the oncologists and the gastroenterologists in order to identify and treat them adequately.

2021 ◽  
pp. 107815522110381
Author(s):  
Esra Özyurt ◽  
Serhat Özçelik ◽  
Heves Sürmeli ◽  
Mehmet Çelik ◽  
Murat Ayhan ◽  
...  

Introduction Nivolumab is a human immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody that inhibits programmed cell death-1 activity by binding to the programmed cell death-1 receptors. Cancer cells express increased number of programmed cell death-1 ligands and this allows them to escape the cytotoxic effects of the T cells. Therefore, the negative programmed cell death-1 receptor signal regulates T-cell proliferation and activation is disrupted. However, this change in the activity of the T cells can cause them to lose their ability to recognize host cells. The immune response enabled by these agents has led to side effects, commonly known as “immune-related adverse events.” Case report We report a case of a 66-year-old male patient who was treated with nivolumab for recurrent renal cell carcinoma presented with hepatitis and adrenalitis. Three weeks after starting nivolumab, the patient had abdominal pain and weakness, and then aspartate and alanine transaminase levels were found to be elevated. Management and outcome Hepatitis was predicted to be due to nivolumab, because other causes were excluded. He started using oral methylprednisolone and then, hepatitis improved. However, while receiving methylprednisolone treatment, fludrocortisone was started with the pre-diagnosis of adrenalitis due to the persistence of fatigue, weakness, and hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. With both treatments, the patient's symptoms and sodium and potassium level returned to normal. Discussion This case emphasizes the need for patient's education and awareness of immune-related adverse events, and the importance of understanding the management of life-threatening complications of the checkpoint inhibitors, because these side effects require prompt recognition and treatment.


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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (154) ◽  
pp. 190012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myriam Delaunay ◽  
Grégoire Prévot ◽  
Samia Collot ◽  
Laurent Guilleminault ◽  
Alain Didier ◽  
...  

Immunotherapy has become a standard of care in oncology, following the recent approvals of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 and programmed cell death-1 inhibitors in lung cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, bladder, head and neck cancers. Besides their efficacy, these agents also generate specific immune-related adverse events. Due to the increasing prescription of immune-checkpoint inhibitors, the incidence of immune toxicity will continue to rise. The awareness of immune-related adverse events is key to ensuring both diagnosis and management of the possible serious adverse events. Although severe immune-related adverse events remain rare, they can lead to discontinued treatment or to death if they are not forecasted and managed properly. Even if lung toxicity is not the most frequent adverse event, it remains critical as it can be life-threatening. Herein, the main aspects of pulmonary toxicity are reviewed and guidelines are also proposed in order to manage the possible side-effects.


Author(s):  
Lavanya Kondapalli ◽  
Theresa Medina ◽  
Daniel W Groves

Abstract Immuno-oncology employs various therapeutic strategies that harness a patient’s own immune system to fight disease and has been a promising new strategy for cancer therapy over the last decade. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), are monoclonal antibodies, that increase antitumor immunity by blocking intrinsic down-regulators of immunity, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or its ligand, programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Seven ICIs are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration and have increased the overall survival for patients with various cancer subtypes. These are used either as single agents or in combination with other checkpoint inhibitors, small molecular kinase inhibitors or cytotoxic chemotherapies. There are also many other immune modifying agents including other checkpoint inhibitor antibodies that are under investigation in clinical trials.


Kidney360 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (5) ◽  
pp. 376-388
Author(s):  
Josephine F. Trott ◽  
Omran Abu Aboud ◽  
Bridget McLaughlin ◽  
Katie L. Anderson ◽  
Jaime F. Modiano ◽  
...  

BackgroundKidney cancer (or renal cell carcinoma, RCC) is the sixth most common malignancy in the United States and is increasing in incidence. Despite new therapies, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies, most RCCs are resistant to treatment. Thus, several laboratories have been evaluating new approaches to therapy, both with single agents as well as combinations. Although we have previously shown efficacy of the dual PAK4/nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) inhibitor KPT-9274, and the immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) have shown utility in the clinic, there has been no evaluation of this combination either clinically or in an immunocompetent animal model of kidney cancer.MethodsIn this study, we use the renal cell adenocarcinoma (RENCA) model of spontaneous murine kidney cancer. Male BALB/cJ mice were injected subcutaneously with RENCA cells and, after tumors were palpable, they were treated with KPT-9274 and/or anti–programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1; PD1) antibody for 21 days. Tumors were measured and then removed at animal euthanasia for subsequent studies.ResultsWe demonstrate a significant decrease in allograft growth with the combination treatment of KPT-9274 and anti-PD1 antibody without significant weight loss by the animals. This is associated with decreased (MOUSE) Naprt expression, indicating dependence of these tumors on NAMPT in parallel to what we have observed in human RCC. Histology of the tumors showed substantial necrosis regardless of treatment condition, and flow cytometry of antibody-stained tumor cells revealed that the enhanced therapeutic effect of KPT-9274 and anti-PD1 antibody was not driven by infiltration of T cells into tumors.ConclusionsThis study highlights the potential of the RENCA model for evaluating immunologic responses to KPT-9274 and checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) and suggests that therapy with this combination could improve efficacy in RCC beyond what is achievable with CPI alone.


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.


Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1484
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Ando ◽  
Kunihiro Suzuki ◽  
Toyoshi Yanagihara

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), and programmed cell death-1-ligand 1 (PD-L1) have become new treatment options for various malignancies. ICIs bind to immune-checkpoint inhibitory receptors or to the foregoing ligands and block inhibitory signals to release the brakes on the immune system, thereby enhancing immune anti-tumor responses. On the other hand, unlike conventional chemotherapies, ICIs can cause specific side effects, called immune-related adverse events (irAEs). These toxicities may affect various organs, including the lungs. ICI-related pneumonitis (ICI-pneumonitis) is not the most frequent adverse event, but it is serious and can be fatal. In this review, we summarize recent findings regarding ICI-pneumonitis, with a focus on potential pathogenesis and treatment.


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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryota Tanaka ◽  
Yuki Ichimura ◽  
Noriko Kubota ◽  
Akimasa Saito ◽  
Yoshiyuki Nakamura ◽  
...  

Abstract Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors that target programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) can lead to various autoimmune-related adverse events (irAEs) including psoriasis-like dermatitis. Our observations on human samples indicated enhanced epidermal infiltration of CD8 T cells, and the pathogenesis of which appears to be dependent on IL-6 in the PD-1 signal blockade-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis. By using a murine model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis, we further demonstrated that PD-1 deficiency accelerates skin inflammation with activated cytotoxic CD8 T cells into the epidermis, which engage in pathogenic cross-talk with keratinocytes resulting in production of IL-6. Moreover, genetically modified mice lacking PD-1 expression only on CD8 T cells developed accelerated dermatitis, moreover, blockade of IL-6 signaling by anti-IL-6 receptor antibody could ameliorate the dermatitis. Collectively, PD-1 signal blockade-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis is mediated by PD-1 signaling on CD8 T cells, and furthermore, IL-6 is likely to be a therapeutic target for the dermatitis.


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