[Endocrine consequences of immune checkpoint inhibitors]

A S Chachati1, I Potorac1, P Petrossians1

  • 1Service d'Endocrinologie, CHU Liège, Belgique.

Revue Medicale De Liege
|December 14, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, like those targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1, can cause immune-related side effects affecting endocrine glands. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing these side effects in cancer patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 have revolutionized cancer treatment.
  • ICIs restore anti-tumor T-cell activity by blocking immune tolerance mechanisms.
  • While effective, ICIs can disrupt the natural immune tolerance to auto-antigens, leading to immune-related adverse events (irAEs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline monitoring and treatment strategies for endocrine immune side effects caused by ICIs.
  • To emphasize the importance of early detection and intervention for managing irAEs.
  • To provide clinicians with practical algorithms for addressing endocrine irAEs in cancer patients.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on ICI-induced endocrine irAEs.
  • Development of clinical algorithms for monitoring and managing endocrine irAEs.
  • Analysis of common endocrine glands affected by ICIs.

Main Results:

  • Endocrine glands are frequently affected by ICI therapy, alongside cutaneous and digestive systems.
  • Specific monitoring protocols and treatment algorithms are proposed for endocrine irAEs.
  • Timely management of endocrine irAEs can mitigate negative impacts on cancer care.

Conclusions:

  • ICI therapy necessitates vigilant monitoring for endocrine irAEs.
  • Implementing structured monitoring and treatment algorithms is essential for optimal patient outcomes.
  • Proactive management of endocrine irAEs supports the successful continuation of oncologic care.

Related Concept Videos

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer01:19

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
371
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
1.7K
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
6.4K
Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Overview
83.1K
The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
7.6K
Target Cell Response to Hormones01:22

Target Cell Response to Hormones

Hormones intricately bind to receptors on the surface or within target cells, initiating a cascade of cellular responses.
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
5.0K