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Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAEs) in Cancer, with Inputs from a Nursing Expert: A Review

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol 2022; 43(02): 144-152

DOI: DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742442

Author : Sajad Ahmad Buch,Mudasir Rashid Baba

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis) belong to a group of immunotherapeutic agents that act on different immune cells and tumor cells and reactivate the suppressed immune system of the host. The emergence of immunotherapy has resulted in the successful management of many malignancies. High success rates with certain advanced cancers have attributed wide importance and relevance to the use of immunotherapy. Although ICPis have gained huge popularity, their use often leads to side effects that can affect almost any system; immune-related adverse events (irAEs). These adverse events occur due to unrestrained T cell activity that unsettles the immune homeostasis of the host. Although close monitoring for toxicities controls the events on most of the occasions, the inability to diagnose them early may prove fatal on some occasions due to their subtle and nonspecific symptoms. This review summarizes in brief the usual irAEs and their management, besides a very important nursing perspective, from a nursing expert about an overall insight into the routine irAEs.

Keywords

immune-related adverse events - immune checkpoint inhibitors - immunosuppressant - cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 - programmed cell death protein 1

Source(s) of Support

None.

Presentation at a Meeting

None.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 April 2022

© 2022. Indian Society of Medical and Paediatric Oncology. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
A-12, 2nd Floor, Sector 2, Noida-201301 UP, India

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis) belong to a group of immunotherapeutic agents that act on different immune cells and tumor cells and reactivate the suppressed immune system of the host. The emergence of immunotherapy has resulted in the successful management of many malignancies. High success rates with certain advanced cancers have attributed wide importance and relevance to the use of immunotherapy. Although ICPis have gained huge popularity, their use often leads to side effects that can affect almost any system; immune-related adverse events (irAEs). These adverse events occur due to unrestrained T cell activity that unsettles the immune homeostasis of the host. Although close monitoring for toxicities controls the events on most of the occasions, the inability to diagnose them early may prove fatal on some occasions due to their subtle and nonspecific symptoms. This review summarizes in brief the usual irAEs and their management, besides a very important nursing perspective, from a nursing expert about an overall insight into the routine irAEs.

Keywords

immune-related adverse events - immune checkpoint inhibitors - immunosuppressant - cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 - programmed cell death protein 1

Introduction

Advances in the treatment of cancer have led to the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis) that reinforce the immune system to target tumor cells. The agents, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors, have contributed for the effective treatment of advanced cancers in the recent times.[1] The beneficial clinical responses of such agents against various malignancies have resulted further in U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of checkpoint inhibitors, pembrolizumab,[2] nivolumab,[3] cemiplimab,[4] atezolizumab,[5] durvalumab,[6] and avelumab.[7] These agents are approved for several malignancies including melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, lung cancer (small and nonsmall cell types), bladder cancer, and Hodgkin disease. Currently several clinical trials are further investigating the combination therapies involving checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and various antiangiogenic agents, with few of these combinations already approved and used in clinical practice.[8] ICPis are generally well tolerated and less toxic than the cytotoxic chemotherapy. These agents, however, function by recalibrating the immune cell functions by blocking the internal down-regulators of the immune system, resulting in a distinctive group of side effects referred to as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). These are different from the side effects seen with conventional cancer therapy.[9] [10] The adverse events can be seen in most of the organs due to the heightened immune system, and thus organs like liver, skin, bowels, kidneys, endocrine tissues, and the central nervous system are affected ([Fig. 1]).[11] The irAEs are diverse and range from a mild dermatitis to fatal pneumonitis and myocarditis. Higher rates of irAEs are seen with ICPis targeting CTLA-4 than those acting on PD-1.[12] [13] Most irAEs develop during the initial 3 to 4 months of immunotherapy use, although the events can manifest any time during the course of treatment or sometimes even after the conclusion of immunotherapy treatment. The initial events often include nonspecific symptoms like fatigue and malaise. Patients often presume them to be anticipated with the disease process, and if not documented could result in delayed diagnosis. Therefore, careful observation of patients under ICPis becomes important for the differential diagnosis, and effective management of any events.

| Fig. 1 Involvement of various systems by immune- related adverse events. CNS, central nervous system; CRS, cytokine release syndrome; GIT, gastrointestinal tract.

CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 negatively regulate and maintain the balance in the immune system under normal conditions. T cell surfaces express CTLA-4 and CD28 that compete on the surface of antigen presenting cells (APCs) with the same binding sites as CD80/CD86. The activation signal for T cells is achieved when CD28 integrates with CD80/CD86.[14] The activation of T cells is obstructed with down-regulation of their responses when CTLA-4 combines with CD80/CD86.[15] [16] PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 are expressed on the surface T cells, and the surface of APCs, respectively. The down-regulation of the T cell response also occurs when PD-1 and PD-L1 integrate on the tumor cell surface thereby enabling tumor cells to evade immune response of the host.[17] [18] These immune inhibitor molecules are up-regulated by the tumor cells to escape the immune response. This ultimately facilitates the initiation of the tumor, followed by the stages of progression and metastasis. The uses of ICPis in cancer treatment block PD1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4 and thus stimulate the body's antitumor immunity disrupting immune homeostasis and also make patients susceptible for irAEs. The class of ICPis used dictates the incidence and extent of these irAEs. The use of ipilimumab that inhibits CTLA-4 caused irAEs in up to 60 to 70% of patients,[1] while the incidence of irAEs is seen in 30% of patients under PD-1 inhibitors. The combination of ipilimumab and another PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab has shown the highest incidence of irAEs.[19]

Various IrAEs and Their Management

Skin

The most common ICPis induce dermatological reactions that include rash, vitiligo, and pruritis. The dermatologic toxicities are the earliest irAEs encountered, appearing at an average of 3.6 weeks after ICPis initiation.[20] It is recommended to undertake a thorough clinical examination of the mucocutaneous surfaces to determine the type and spread of the lesions,[21] for the purpose of differential diagnosis.[22] Topical emollients and topical steroids are the mainstay for the mild rashes secondary to the use of ICPis. Cold packs and oatmeal baths have been successfully used for relieving pruritis.[23] Moderate cases affecting quality of life are treated with oral antihistamines along with medium to high potency topical corticosteroids; the treatment continues until lesions return to grade 1.[22] If the lesions continue unabated despite the interventions, ICPis are withheld and patients are referred for dermatology consultations to determine recovery prospects from irAEs.[23]

Respiratory

ICPis therapy can lead to pneumonitis (interstitial lung disease) on rare occasions.[24] The various clinical trials have reported a pneumonitis incidence of 1%-due to ipilimumab, 3 to 5%-with anti PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 monotherapy.[25] The incidence soars up to 10%-in combination therapy with anti PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors.[26] [27] [28] [29] [30] The main investigations required for the diagnosis of immune-mediated pneumonitis include pulse oximetry, chest X-ray, and computed tomography (CT). Radiographic evidence is used to evaluate grade 1 pneumonitis and the disease progression is assessed by a CT at 3 to 4 weeks. In moderate-to-severe cases, ICPis are terminated till recovery or until reversal to grade 1 toxicity, with administration of prednisone in grade 2 pneumonitis.[31] In addition to aborting of ICPis, it is recommended to administer appropriate antibiotics and prednisolone if the toxicity is progressing to either grade 3 or to grade 4.[22] [32] ICPis-related pneumonitis has four patterns, organizing pneumonia, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and diffuse alveolar damage ([Table 1]).[25]

Table 1

Common manifestations and treatment of various forms of pneumonitis

Gastrointestinal Tract

The most common gastrointestinal (GI) adverse reaction to ICPis is watery diarrhea.[33] Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) signs may also present as bloody diarrhea, mucus in the stool, and abdominal discomfort.[34] The combination therapy of CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors may lead to severe diarrhea or colitis, as compared with minor symptoms associated with the single agent therapy of anti PD-1 or ipilimumab.[35] Additionally, CTLA-4 inhibitors may lead to oral ulcers, anal lesions (fissures/fistulas/abscesses), and some extraintestinal manifestations.[36] ICPis-induced colitis may mimic other infections or may be itself related to the underlying cancer; therefore, it is important to establish a differential diagnosis. To rule out any underlying infection, a stool test should be performed to check for any bacterial pathogens, parasitic infestation, or Clostridium difficile.[37] It is recommended to use clinical correlation, thorough medical history, and additional imaging to rule out other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, disseminated melanoma, and associated GI metastasis if any. Endoscopic evaluation with biopsy constitutes the gold standard for a definite diagnosis of colitis due to irAEs. Supportive care with antidiarrheals, maintaining electrolyte balance usually suffices for grade 1 colitis/mild diarrhea, without disrupting the use of ICPis. Grade 2 colitis requires additional therapy with oral corticosteroids, with the dosage being 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day. Immune therapy is withheld and diagnosis should be confirmed by endoscopy and biopsy. Hospital admission is advised for grade 3 colitis with prompt intravenous (IV) corticosteroids at a dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day and the immunotherapy is withheld until improvement. If the patients do not respond to the IV corticosteroid treatment, infliximab 5mg/kg is recommended. Some patients may require a second dose of infliximab 2 weeks after the first dose.

Hepatic

ICPis can lead to liver toxicity with elevated enzyme levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Hepatitis is the most common irAE that can occur with an incidence of 7%-with either anti PD-1 or anti CTLA-4, but the incidence escalates to nearly 30% with combined immunotherapy.[38] A thorough workup should be performed to exclude other infections, viral etiology, liver metastasis, and hepatitis secondary to autoimmune dysfunction.[22] [39] [40] Ongoing immunotherapy is continued in grade 1 hepatitis, and close monitoring is advocated. In grade 3 and severe hepatitis cases, ICPis are stopped until recovery to at least grade 1 stage. The mainstay of management in grade 2 and higher toxicity hepatitis is administration of corticosteroids and evaluation for 3 to 5 days. The treatment with ICPis should be interrupted when AST/ALT are elevated between two and five times upper limit of normal (ULN), and suspended perpetually when AST/ALT are elevated more than five times the ULN.[41] [42] [43] The inpatient admission is required for patients with persistent rise in AST/ALT levels despite sufficient oral corticosteroid treatment, or for those with a level greater than 10xULN.[44] Immediate IV methylprednisolone 4mg/kg/day, consultation with a hepatologist, and a liver biopsy are considered. Liver function tests should be monitored to achieve AST/ALT levels less than 8xULN. In the absence of any improvement with corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil 1 g twice daily or azathioprine must be planned. Antithymocyte globulin therapy is reserved for patients who do not respond to IV corticosteroids and to mycophenolate mofetil. The decision to restart ICPis is dictated by the amount of the damage in liver cells and the duration of the toxic event. It is not recommended to restart ICPis for patients with peak AST/ALT elevation of greater than 5xULN, for patients whose levels do not revert back to grade 1/baseline, and for those with indication of liver decompensation like elevating INR. ICPis can be considered if levels stand at baseline/grade 1 in patients with peak elevation between 2 and 5 times ULN and all the package insert specifications should be followed.


Endocrine

Unlike other irAEs, endocrinopathies tend to be persistent and usually need lasting hormonal replacement, and if untreated can prove to be fatal.[45] Both anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 agents can lead to thyroid disorders, hypophysitis, and insulin-dependent diabetes.[46] The elusive and nonspecific symptoms associated with endocrinopathies such as fatigue may create difficulties in distinguishing them from any pre-existent comorbidities. Therefore, it is important to recognize endocrine irAEs early, particularly in patients who are prone to develop autoimmune reactions. The recent multisystem recognition of irAEs has led to increase in routine laboratory testing, and therefore higher number of endocrinopathies like hypophysitis have been reported with ICPis.[47] [48] [49] Hypophysitis is inflammation of the pituitary gland that affects the functioning of hypothalamic–pituitary axis.[50] It may present with nonspecific symptoms, like mild fatigue, headache, emotional imbalance, and loss of libido.[11] The successful management of these symptoms with hormone replacement therapy can allow the continuation of the ongoing immunotherapy. The continuous use of immunotherapy becomes debatable in the case of grade 2 or higher hypophysistis.[51] Appropriate use of steroids is recommended before any hormonal replacement therapy if hypophysitis becomes severe and alarming.[22] [51] Thyroid irAEs appear usually 4 to 10 weeks after immunotherapy, but can manifest up to 3 years after ICPis treatment, and mainly occur after anti-PD-1 agents.[52] [53] Inflammatory destruction of the gland is the most common disease process signified in the literature; the damage is caused by the cytotoxic T cells that result in either tissue breakdown (surplus thyroid hormones) or insufficient hormone release.[54] The symptoms generally resemble thyroid disorders due to various other etiologies, and include dry skin, excess body weight, lethargy in hypothyroidism, and anxiety, and palpitations in hyperthyroidism. The management of hypothyroidism requires evaluating for adrenal insufficiency before initiation of hormonal replacement therapy to avoid aggravating any crisis.[53] [55] [56] The titration of levothyroxine is done based on the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone in primary hypothyroidism, and on the levels of thyroxine in secondary hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is managed adequately by a symptomatic approach, and mostly the irAEs are self-limiting.[52] [57]


Nervous System

The incidence of neurological irAEs (neurotoxicity) is low when compared with the other systems like skin and GIT.[58] Immunotherapy with single agents like CTLA-4 or anti-PD1 results in 4 to 6%-neurological irAEs, and the rate increases to 12%-with combination immunotherapy.[59] Neurotoxic irAEs present as a toxic encephalopathy that begins with features like difficulty in word finding, aphasia, dysphasia, disruption in fine motor skills, and somnolent behavior.[60] [61] [62] The severe forms of neurotoxic irAEs may cause seizures, cerebral edema, motor weakness, and even coma. Neurotoxicity is usually preceded by a phase of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and hence CRS either initiates or acts as a cofactor for neurotoxic events. CRS and neurotoxicity are both fatal side effects produced by therapy with chimeric antigenic receptor T cells, occurring separately within 1 and 3 weeks after the treatment, respectively.[63] [64] Supportive care with antipyretics is usually sufficient for low-grade CRS, and any coexisting reasons for fever (Infection) should be ruled out.[65] Anticytokine treatment in the form of tocilizumab (anti-interleukin-6 [IL6] receptor) or Siltuximab antibody (chimeric anti-IL6) is used effectively against CRS and neurotoxicity.[66] [67] Corticosteroids being immunosuppressive and able to cross blood–brain barrier are widely used for the management of neurotoxicity,[68] [69] but their clinical efficacy on the extensivity and duration of neurotoxicity is not well established in the literature.[65] There is always a need for better understanding of pathophysiology of CRS and neurotoxicity to come up with novel and effective treatments.

Clinicians need to be observant and instinctive to the diversity encompassed in irAEs, also to the possibility that these adverse events can occur late during the course of treatment, and sometimes even months or years after the cancer treatment cessation.[70] [71] Consensus recommendations from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer recommend all patients who are advised ICPis should be subjected to a pretreatment evaluation and diagnostic workup ([Table 2]).[72] Few of these tests may not be available at all the facilities, and until recommended with evidence, individual clinician discretion is the need of the hour.

Type

Clinical features

Radiology

Histopathology

Management

OP

Nonproductive cough

Shortness of breath

Loss of weight

(< 2>

Peripheral areas of ground glass opacities, multiple, solitary, infiltrative alveolar opacities

Distal bronchi and alveoli involvement with granulation tissue

Plasma cells and lymphocytes

Mild

Spontaneous recovery may occur

Close monitoring of pulmonary functions required

Progressive/and or persistent

Prednisone 0.5–1.0mg/kg/day (3–6 months)

NSIP

Nonproductive cough, dyspnea, developing over weeks to months. Bibasilar crackles

Reticular markings, traction bronchiectasis, and ground-glass opacities are seen mostly in lower zones

Fibrosis with diffuse infiltrative cell infiltrate, alveolar walls are uniformly and diffusely thickened, alveolar structural integrity is maintained

Mild

Pulmonary function observation

Moderate

0.5–1.0mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent

(8–12 weeks)

Refractory disease

IV corticosteroids and/or cytotoxic therapies

DAD

Quick onset severe dyspnea, cough

Extensive air space opacities, more in the dependent areas

Alveolar thickening with inflammatory infiltrate

Respiratory failure

Supportive therapies

High-dose IV corticosteroids
Table 2

Pretreatment assessment and diagnostic tests to consider before any immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy

Abbreviations: 6MWT, 6 minute walk test; ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone; BNP, brain natriuretic peptide; CBC, complete blood count; CK, creatinine kinase; CMP, complete metabolic panel; CMV, cytomegalovirus; ECG, electrocardiogram; HbA1c, glycosylated hemoglobin; HBcAb, hepatitis B core antibody; HBsAb, hepatitis B surface antibody; HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antigen; HCAb, hepatitis C antibody; HIV, human immunodeficiency virus; NT pro-BNP, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide; PFTs, pulmonary function tests; T4, thyroxine; TSH, thyroid-stimulating hormone.

a If patients develop irAEs the tests become pertinent and corticosteroids and/or anti-Tumor Necrosis factor-alpha treatment is required

b This test may not be cost efficient as a routine test owing to the rarity of cardiac toxicity. In case of any cardiopulmonary symptoms repeated troponin and natriuretic testing is warranted

Pulmonary toxicity being quite rare the tests should be considered only in patients with a pre-existing lung disease

Routine procedural

pretreatment

History

 ▪ Gather information about infectious, autoimmune, endocrine, and any organ specific disease history

 ▪ Enquire about baseline bowel habit (frequency and stool consistency)

Blood tests

 ▪ CBC

 ▪ CMP

 ▪ TSH

 ▪ FreeT4

 ▪ HbA1c

 ▪ Total CK

 ▪ Fasting lipid profile

 ▪ HBsAg, HBcAb, HBsAb, CMV antibody, hCAb, T-spot test, HIV antigen(p24)[a]

Dermatological examination

 ▪ Mucocutaneous examination, with careful observation of the extent and type of the lesion

Pulmonary test

 ▪ Baseline oxygen saturation on room air and during ambulation

Cardiac tests

 ▪ ECG

 ▪ Troponin I or T: baseline and weekly for 6 weeks[b]

Additional screening tests in pre-existing organ disease/at risk of organ-specific toxicity

Endocrine tests

 ▪ Cortisol (8 am)

 ▪ ACTH (8 am)

Cardiac

 ▪ BNP or NT pro-BNP

Pulmonary

 ▪ PFTs[c]

 ▪ 6MWT[c]

Excerpts from a Nursing Expert

Marianne Davies, NP, DNP, MSN, BSN, a lecturer in nursing at the Yale School of Nursing shared her expertise with OncLive, about various aspects of irAEs.[73] According to Marianne Davies, inappropriate management of irAEs can end up in severe colitis and myocarditis. She stressed upon baseline assessment in understanding actual etiology, and stressed upon further laboratory investigations and stool cultures. Prompt steroids and immunosuppressive agents are vital to manage and keep in check the severe irAEs. Davies recommends use of supportive treatment like loperamide or diphenoxylate atropine for the most common low-grade GI toxicity based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Steroids should be started for grade 2 irAEs toxicity that is associated with increased frequency of stools/day, which is in conformity with their previous guidelines for the management of irAEs. Davies further reported that while updating their guidelines, it is recommended now to use infliximab or vedolizumab if colitis does not show any improvement after 2 weeks of steroids use. The use of these additional immunosuppressive agents is to assist in steroid tapering and hence to safeguard against complications associated with continuous steroid use.

There are higher chances of cardiotoxicity if more than one ICPis are used, such as the combination of an anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 agent. The patients with underlying cardiovascular disease are more likely to develop such toxicity. Such patients should be monitored closely for any sign indicating toxicity. The patients should also be undertaken for baseline electrocardiograph and troponin levels, such that baseline levels are familiar in case of any changes in evaluation of potential irAEs. If the patients do not respond to the initial steroid therapy, additional immunosuppressant agents should be started within 2 to 3 days to reduce chances of fatal reactions in such susceptible patients.

Davies further highlights the importance of distinguishing irAEs from other nonrelated signs particularly in patients under concurrent treatment. ICPis and chemotherapy are given simultaneously in certain cases, and such combination can lead to overlapping of toxicities. Since the agents are administered together, it is vital to understand the onset and pattern of the symptoms to differentiate the cause and also the approach to the treatment of such toxicities. Chemotherapy-associated peripheral neuropathy may occur at the same time when irAEs occur. The hepatic and renal dysfunction secondary to irAEs may also occur as a result of chemotherapy. The chemotherapy-associated side effects mostly occur at 7 to 14 days of chemotherapy and further take around 14 days to improve, in line with the next chemotherapy treatment time. The irAEs are generally persistent for weeks, take longer time to improve and more so if corticosteroid treatment is delayed. If careful assessment indicates a chemotherapy-related toxicity, the dose of the corresponding agent can be either reduced or withheld for some time depending upon the severity of the associated toxicities. On the other hand, Davies pointed out that irAEs do not warrant a dose reduction, but can be aborted in certain situations and a need for immediate corticosteroid therapy is discussed.

Furthermore, it is important to assess the pattern and mode of onset of toxicities for their appropriate management. In addition to the concurrent therapy, other factors that contribute to the adverse effects may include over-the-counter medications and simultaneous viral infections. Davies stressed upon a thorough review of systems and adequate physical examination for the differential diagnosis, and to efficiently devise the management approaches.

Limitations

The review does not describe the detailed pathogenesis underlying the advent of irAEs.

The management of irAEs is given briefly to accommodate most of the systems description.

Strengths

Although brief, attempts were taken to highlight most of the irAEs and a layout of their management given.

An important section is addressed to the nursing fraternity to raise awareness about the basic aspects of irAEs, and how to begin with treatment as part of a multidisciplinary team.

A set of strategies have been suggested due to a compelling need to develop protocols to manage irAEs effectively ([Table 3]).[74]

Table 3

Summary of the recommended strategies for effective management of irAEs

Conclusions

The last decade has seen a revolution in cancer management with the advent of ICPis. The agents have an established role in the treatment of various complicated malignancies, but can lead to adverse events in the form of irAEs. Most of these events are mild and controllable by following an early and well-planned treatment. The diagnosis of irAEs becomes challenging sometimes due to their atypical symptoms and any delay can lead to disruptions in the management of various malignancies. Although appreciable progress has been made in understanding and creating effective management protocols, there is always a room for further improvement. Nurses play an impressive role as part of a dependable interdisciplinary management team.

Conflict of Interest

None declared.

Source(s) of Support

None.

Presentation at a Meeting

None.

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  36. Marthey L, Mateus C, Mussini C. et al. Cancer immunotherapy with anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies induces an inflammatory bowel disease. J Crohn's Colitis 2016; 10 (04) 395-401
  37. Haanen JBAG, Carbonnel F, Robert C. et al; ESMO Guidelines Committee. Management of toxicities from immunotherapy: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol 2017; 28 (Suppl. 04) iv119-iv142
  38. Larkin J, Chiarion-Sileni V, Gonzalez R. et al. Combined nivolumab and ipilimumab or monotherapy in untreated melanoma. N Engl J Med 2015; 373 (01) 23-34
  39. Diagnosis, monitoring and management of immune-related adverse drug reactions of anti-PD-1 antibody therapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2016; 45: 7-18
  40. Belli C, Zuin M, Mazzarella L. et al. Liver toxicity in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors: a practical approach. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2018; 132: 125-129
  41. Hodi FS, O'Day SJ, McDermott DF. et al. Improved survival with ipilimumab in patients with metastatic melanoma. N Engl J Med 2010; 363 (08) 711-723
  42. Borghaei H, Paz-Ares L, Horn L. et al. Nivolumab versus docetaxel in advanced nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer. N Engl J Med 2015; 373 (17) 1627-1639
  43. Brahmer J, Reckamp KL, Baas P. et al. Nivolumab versus docetaxel in advanced squamous-cell non-small-cell lung cancer. N Engl J Med 2015; 373 (02) 123-135
  44. Sanjeevaiah A, Kerr T, Beg MS. Approach and management of checkpoint inhibitor-related immune hepatitis. J Gastrointest Oncol 2018; 9 (01) 220-224
  45. Anderson B, Morganstein DL. Endocrine toxicity of cancer immunotherapy: clinical challenges. Endocr Connect 2021; 10 (03) R116-R124
  46. Bai X, Lin X, Zheng K. et al. Mapping endocrine toxicity spectrum of immune checkpoint inhibitors: a disproportionality analysis using the WHO adverse drug reaction database, VigiBase. Endocrine 2020; 69 (03) 670-681
  47. Albarel F, Gaudy C, Castinetti F. et al. Long-term follow-up of ipilimumab-induced hypophysitis, a common adverse event of the anti-CTLA-4 antibody in melanoma. Eur J Endocrinol 2015; 172 (02) 195-204
  48. Min L, Hodi FS, Giobbie-Hurder A. et al. Systemic high-dose corticosteroid treatment does not improve the outcome of ipilimumab-related hypophysitis: a retrospective cohort study. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21 (04) 749-755
  49. Faje A. Immunotherapy and hypophysitis: clinical presentation, treatment, and biologic insights. Pituitary 2016; 19 (01) 82-92
  50. Hattersley R, Nana M, Lansdown AJ. Endocrine complications of immunotherapies: a review. Clin Med (Lond) 2021; 21 (02) e212-e222
  51. Ryder M, Callahan M, Postow MA, Wolchok J, Fagin JA. Endocrine-related adverse events following ipilimumab in patients with advanced melanoma: a comprehensive retrospective review from a single institution. Endocr Relat Cancer 2014; 21 (02) 371-381
  52. de Filette J, Andreescu CE, Cools F, Bravenboer B, Velkeniers B. A systematic review and meta-analysis of endocrine-related adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Horm Metab Res 2019; 51 (03) 145-156
  53. Chang LS, Barroso-Sousa R, Tolaney SM, Hodi FS, Kaiser UB, Min L. Endocrine toxicity of cancer immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoints. Endocr Rev 2019; 40 (01) 17-65
  54. Barroso-Sousa R, Barry WT, Garrido-Castro AC. et al. Incidence of endocrine dysfunction following the use of different immune checkpoint inhibitor regimens: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Oncol 2018; 4 (02) 173-182
  55. Higham CE, Olsson-Brown A, Carroll P. et al; Society for Endocrinology Clinical Committee. Society for Endocrinology Endocrine Emergency Guidance: acute management of the endocrine complications of checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Endocr Connect 2018; 7 (07) G1-G7
  56. Vaidya B, Chakera AJ, Dick C. Addison's disease. BMJ 2009; 339: b2385
  57. Trinh S, Le A, Gowani S, La-Beck NM. Management of immune-related adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: a minireview of current clinical guidelines. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2019; 6 (02) 154-160
  58. Roth P, Winklhofer S, Müller AMS. et al. Neurological complications of cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2021; 97: 102189
  59. Cuzzubbo S, Javeri F, Tissier M. et al. Neurological adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: review of the literature. Eur J Cancer 2017; 73: 1-8
  60. Neelapu SS, Tummala S, Kebriaei P. et al. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy - assessment and management of toxicities. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2018; 15 (01) 47-62
  61. Gust J, Hay KA, Hanafi LA. et al. Endothelial activation and blood-brain barrier disruption in neurotoxicity after adoptive immunotherapy with CD19 CAR-T Cells. Cancer Discov 2017; 7 (12) 1404-1419
  62. Santomasso BD, Park JH, Salloum D. et al. Clinical and biological correlates of neurotoxicity associated with CAR T-cell therapy in patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cancer Discov 2018; 8 (08) 958-971
  63. Xu Y, Li S, Wang Y. et al. Induced CD20 expression on B-cell malignant cells heightened the cytotoxic activity of chimeric antigen receptor engineered T cells. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30 (04) 497-510
  64. Gust J, Taraseviciute A, Turtle CJ. Neurotoxicity associated with CD19-targeted CAR-T cell therapies. CNS Drugs 2018; 32 (12) 1091-1101
  65. Morris EC, Neelapu SS, Giavridis T, Sadelain M. Cytokine release syndrome and associated neurotoxicity in cancer immunotherapy. Nat Rev Immunol 2021; 17: 1-12
  66. Lee DW, Gardner R, Porter DL. et al. Current concepts in the diagnosis and management of cytokine release syndrome. Blood 2014; 124 (02) 188-195
  67. Gauthier J, Turtle CJ. Insights into cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity after CD19-specific CAR-T cell therapy. Curr Res Transl Med 2018; 66 (02) 50-52
  68. Neelapu SS, Locke FL, Bartlett NL. et al. Axicabtagene ciloleucel CAR T-cell therapy in refractory large B-cell lymphoma. N Engl J Med 2017; 377 (26) 2531-2544
  69. Nastoupil LJ, Jain MD, Feng L. et al. Standard-of-care axicabtagene ciloleucel for relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma: results from the US Lymphoma CAR T Consortium. J Clin Oncol 2020; 38 (27) 3119-3128
  70. Pennock GK, Chow LQ. The evolving role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer treatment. Oncologist 2015; 20 (07) 812-822
  71. Luke JJ, Ott PA. PD-1 pathway inhibitors: the next generation of immunotherapy for advanced melanoma. Oncotarget 2015; 6 (06) 3479-3492
  72. Puzanov I, Diab A, Abdallah K. et al; Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Toxicity Management Working Group. Managing toxicities associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: consensus recommendations from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Toxicity Management Working Group.J Immunother Cancer 2017; 5 (01) 95.
  73.  https://www.onclive.com/view/providing-nursing-insight-into-the-management-of-iraes-in-lung-cancer Accessed December 21, 2021
  74. Naing A, Hajjar J, Gulley JL. et al. Strategies for improving the management of immune-related adverse events. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8 (02) e001754

Address for correspondence

Mudasir Rashid Baba, PhD
Yenepoya Physiotherapy College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University)
Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018
India   

Publication History

Article published online:
13 April 2022

© 2022. Indian Society of Medical and Paediatric Oncology. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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Action items

Recommended action plan

Patient confidence building measures

The information and monitoring of symptoms regarding irAEs should be provided through unique drug-based wallet cards, educational applications, social networking, and through support groups

The information should be based on patient preferences, their literacy, psychological, and cultural needs

Refining management guidelines for irAEs

Organizing an irAEs summit

Formation of committees that work on specific toxicities to formulate evidence-based guidelines common to all

Involve a multidisciplinary team comprising of emergency doctors, surgeons, anesthesiologists, primary health care doctors, patient advocates, and nurses for the development of guidelines

Make public the outcome of the proposed summit

Conduct such summits regularly

Systematize irAEs reporting

SITC CTCAE Task Force Module (irAEs-specific) should be included in any future CTCAE designs

Improving ad standardizing immunosuppressive agents

Research to be undertaken to evaluate the safety profile and efficacy of immunosuppressants in irAEs treatment.

This should be further done to check their impact to ICPis to formulate the choice, dosage, and duration of the use of immunosuppressants to manage irAEs

Steps undertaken to understand underlying mechanisms

To conduct more studies to understand better the underlying mechanisms for the development of irAEs, determine their possible relationship with management results, recognize factors that predict toxicity, find infection risks and association between ICPis use and emergence of infection, and assess the role of prophylactic vaccines and antibiotic therapy

Conduct studies on vulnerable populations

Prospective studies should be conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of ICPis in populations with history of immunosuppression[*] or prior irAEs

Translation studies for identifying immune markers that forecast response and risk for the development of irAEs

The patients and the caregivers should be briefed about all the possibilities before ICPis therapy

Selection of immunosuppressants should be optimized to achieve adequate immunosuppression without affecting the benefits of ICPis

Specific guidelines for immune check point inhibitor use should be developed in high-risk patients

Formulate a national registry of high-risk cancer patients treated with ICPis

Improving diagnostics for efficient irAEs management

Explore markers to predict likelihood of irAEs

Novel tools for patient surveillance

Conduct large prospective studies to validate reliable markers that can be applied to general populations

Availing effective means of communication

Healthcare workers should be trained and equipped to use wireless and digital technologies

Promote smartphone-based applications to monitor patients for signs that signal potential irAEs

Ability to use immediate protocols based on assembled data

To come up with a platform to record missing patient's voice

Use of validated tools, e.g., the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, for analysis of symptoms over a long period of time in different studies, for early detection of irAEs

Propagation of new findings

Publicize the results of the studies to the scientific community in a timely manner




| Fig. 1 Involvement of various systems by immune- related adverse events. CNS, central nervous system; CRS, cytokine release syndrome; GIT, gastrointestinal tract.

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