[Autoimmune side effects of immune-checkpoint inhibitor therapies in oncology: pathogenesis, clinic and treatment]

Oncotherapy has been revolutionised by the introduction of immune-checkpoint inhibitors including CTLA4, PD1 and PDL1 inhibitors. Patients with malignant diseases may largely benefit from these therapies, which may result in long-term remission even in the most therapy-resistant tumour types. Differences in the mode of action of the various agents may result in varying side-effect profiles. In addition to organ-specific side-effects, overt autoimmune syndromes may also develop. Our current view of oncotherapy has changed as these mostly immune-mediated side-effects highly differ from those observed previously during the administration of traditional anti-tumour compounds. These side-effects should be carefully characterized and differentiated from infections or the progression of the underlying malignancy. Fortunately, several recent recommendations have become available on the management of immune-mediated adverse events due to checkpoint-inhibitor therapy. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(23): 887-895.