[Immune-related adverse events after immune checkpoints inhibitors in 2019: An update]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab) represent a significant advancement in cancer therapy.
• These immunotherapies can trigger immune-related adverse events (irAEs) affecting multiple organs, often mimicking autoimmune diseases.
• Emerging agents like anti-PD-L1, anti-LAG-3, and anti-TIM-3 antibodies expand the landscape of irAEs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the incidence, diagnostic assessment, and management strategies for key immune-related adverse events associated with cancer immunotherapy.
• To highlight the critical role of immunologists and internal medicine specialists in managing these toxicities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on immune-related adverse events from checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
• Analysis of reported incidence, diagnostic criteria, and treatment guidelines for irAEs.
• Synthesis of information on established and novel immunotherapeutic agents.

Main Results:

• irAEs are a common and potentially severe complication of checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
• These events require careful diagnosis to differentiate from other conditions.
• Management often involves immunosuppressive therapies, necessitating specialist input.

Conclusions:

• Checkpoint inhibitors offer profound anti-cancer benefits but necessitate vigilant monitoring for irAEs.
• Effective management of irAEs relies on early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and timely intervention by specialists.
• Understanding and managing irAEs is crucial for optimizing cancer immunotherapy outcomes.