Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

04:14
Author Spotlight: In Vivo Assessment of Thyroid Hormone Disruption Using the THAI Mouse Model
Published on: October 6, 2023
1.3K
The Current Understanding of the Endocrine Effects From Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Recommendations for
Monica Girotra1, Aaron Hansen2, Azeez Farooki1
1Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College.
JNCI Cancer Spectrum
|July 31, 2018
Summary
Immune checkpoint inhibitors revolutionize cancer treatment but can cause endocrine immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). This review details mechanisms, presentations, and management strategies for these unique toxicities.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 are established cancer therapies.
- ICI treatment can lead to immune-related adverse events (IRAEs), including endocrine toxicities.
- Endocrine IRAEs present uniquely compared to traditional chemotherapy side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms and clinical presentations of endocrine IRAEs.
- To propose management guidelines and algorithms for these conditions.
- To suggest future research directions for optimizing detection and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical trials and mechanistic studies.
- Synthesis of current hypotheses on ICI-induced endocrinopathies.
- Development of evidence-based management recommendations.
Main Results:
- Endocrine IRAEs include hypophysitis, thyroid dysfunction, and diabetes mellitus.
- Mechanisms involve disruption of immune tolerance and T-cell mediated autoimmunity.
- Distinct clinical profiles necessitate specific diagnostic and management approaches.
Conclusions:
- Understanding ICI-induced endocrine IRAEs is crucial for patient safety.
- Standardized management protocols can improve patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to refine treatment strategies and predictive biomarkers.
Related Concept Videos
Endocrine Signaling
68.2K
Endocrine cells produce hormones to communicate with remote target cells found in other organs. The hormone reaches these distant areas using the circulatory system. This exposes the whole organism to the hormone but only those cells expressing hormone receptors or target cells are affected. Thus, endocrine signaling induces slow responses from its target cells but these effects also last longer.
68.2K
The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint
3.9K
The spindle assembly checkpoint is a molecular surveillance mechanism ensuring the fidelity of chromosome segregation during anaphase. The checkpoint monitors the completion of all the prerequisite steps before chromosome segregation to determine whether the segregation process should proceed or be delayed.
Many proteins function together to control the spindle assembly checkpoint. Mutations affecting these proteins may allow cells to proceed into anaphase prematurely, resulting in the...
Many proteins function together to control the spindle assembly checkpoint. Mutations affecting these proteins may allow cells to proceed into anaphase prematurely, resulting in the...
3.9K
What is the Endocrine System?
420.8K
The endocrine system sends hormones—chemical signals—through the bloodstream to target cells—the cells the hormones selectively affect. These signals are produced in endocrine cells, secreted into the extracellular fluid, and then diffuse into the blood. Eventually, they diffuse out of the blood and bind to target cells which have specialized receptors to recognize the hormones.
420.8K
The Endocrine System
1.4K
The endocrine system is an extensive network of glands – organs or tissues in the body that create chemicals that control many bodily functions, that secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers that play essential roles in regulating various bodily functions. These hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. They require specific receptors to convey signals to cells possessing these corresponding receptors. This complex signaling mechanism ensures that...
1.4K
An Overview of the Endocrine System
14.2K
The endocrine system, a complex network of glands, orchestrates physiological balance within the body through the production and secretion of hormones. These hormones are chemical messengers in intercellular communication, acting as conduits between the secretory cells and distant target sites. They traverse the circulatory system by being released into the extracellular fluid, and their impact is specific to cells possessing receptors for a particular hormone.
The endocrine system collaborates...
The endocrine system collaborates...
14.2K
Structures of the Endocrine System
12.2K
The intricate framework of the endocrine system encompasses a diverse array of glands, with their target tissues and organs strategically distributed throughout the body. Central to this network are the endocrine glands, specialized structures that lack ducts and release hormones directly into the interstitial fluid. Notably, the hypothalamus, a vital neuroendocrine organ situated in the brain, governs neural functions and serves as a potent source of hormonal regulation. Near the hypothalamus...
12.2K

