Side effects of immunotherapy: a constant challenge for oncologists

Immunotherapeutic strategies have become the new paradigm of cancer care, through their new targeting and safety profile approach, and, de facto, their new monitoring and safety management challenges.

Generalities and specificities of the toxicity management related to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are highlighted. Predictive factors of safety are issue of research and the challenge of prevention as well as monitoring are huge to alleviate toxicities and enhance safety and efficacy. Particular situations like steroids association and cost-effectiveness approach are summarized.

Patients as well as general practitioners, including health-caregivers, should be informed before ICI initiation of the different alert symptoms which should precede immune-related adverse events.