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Published on: February 8, 2018
Adverse Events Associated with Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review of Case
Noha Abdel-Wahab1,2, Mohsin Shah1, Maria E Suarez-Almazor1
1Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America.
Background:
Three checkpoint inhibitor drugs have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in specific types of cancers. While the results are promising, severe immunotherapy-related adverse events (irAEs) have been reported.
Objectives:
To conduct a systematic review of case reports describing the occurrence of irAEs in patients with cancer following checkpoint blockade therapy, primarily to identify potentially unrecognized or unusual clinical findings and toxicity.
Data Sources:
We searched Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed ePubs, and Cochrane CENTRAL with no restriction through August 2015.
Study Selection:
Studies reporting cases of cancer develop irAEs following treatment with anti CTLA-4 (ipilimumab) or anti PD-1 (nivolumab or pembrolizumab) antibodies were included.
Data Extraction:
We extracted data on patient characteristics, irAEs characteristics, how irAEs were managed, and their outcomes.
Data Synthesis:
191 publications met inclusion criteria, reporting on 251 cases. Most patients had metastatic melanoma (95.6%), and the majority were treated with ipilimumab (93.2%). Autoimmune colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies, and cutaneous irAEs were the most frequently reported irAEs in ipilimumab treated patients. A broad spectrum of toxicities were reported for almost every body system. Moreover, well-defined diseases such as sarcoidosis, polyarthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica/arteritis, lupus, celiac disease, dermatomyositis, and Vogt-Koyanagi-like syndrome were reported. The most frequent irAEs reported with anti-PD1 agents were dermatitis for pembrolizumab, and thyroid disease and pneumonitis for nivolumab. Complete resolution of adverse events occurred in most cases. However, persistent irAEs and death were reported, mainly in patients treated with ipilimumab.
Limitations:
Our study is limited by information available in the original reports.
Conclusions:
Evidence from case reports shows that cancer patients develop irAEs following checkpoint blockade therapy, and can occasionally develop clearly defined autoimmune systemic diseases. While discontinuation of therapy and/or treatment can result in resolution of irAEs, long-term sequelae and death have been reported.
Insights
Checkpoint blockade therapy can cause severe immunotherapy-related adverse events (irAEs) in cancer patients, including autoimmune diseases. While many irAEs resolve with treatment, some can lead to long-term issues or death.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Checkpoint inhibitor drugs are approved for various cancers, but severe immunotherapy-related adverse events (irAEs) are a concern.
- Understanding the spectrum of irAEs is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review case reports of irAEs in cancer patients treated with checkpoint blockade therapy.
- To identify potentially unrecognized or unusual clinical findings and toxicities associated with these therapies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 191 publications reporting 251 cases of irAEs.
- Searched multiple databases (Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed ePubs, Cochrane CENTRAL) through August 2015.
- Extracted data on patient characteristics, irAEs, management, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Most patients had metastatic melanoma treated with ipilimumab.
- Common irAEs included autoimmune colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies, and dermatitis.
- A wide range of toxicities affecting multiple body systems were reported, including defined autoimmune diseases.
- Anti-PD1 agents (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) were associated with dermatitis, thyroid disease, and pneumonitis, respectively.
- Most irAEs resolved, but some patients experienced persistent events or death, particularly with ipilimumab.
Conclusions:
- Checkpoint blockade therapy can induce irAEs and distinct autoimmune systemic diseases in cancer patients.
- While treatment and drug discontinuation can lead to resolution, long-term sequelae and mortality are possible.
- Case report limitations necessitate careful interpretation of findings.
