Optimizing Care for Patients With Adverse Events From Immunotherapeutics

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are frequent complications of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
• While often manageable with steroids, the increasing use of immunotherapies necessitates optimized irAE management strategies.
• Effective irAE care requires surveillance, guideline-based treatment, multidisciplinary input, and research into predictive biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a comprehensive, three-pronged institutional strategy for managing immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
• To outline the implementation of an Immune Wellness Clinic, an Immuno-Oncology Treatment Monitoring Repository, and an Immunotoxicity Tumor Board.
• To enhance patient care and facilitate translational research for irAEs.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of an Immune Wellness Clinic for risk stratification and monitoring of patients receiving immunotherapy.
• Creation of an Immuno-Oncology Treatment Monitoring Repository to support translational research on irAEs.
• Implementation of an Immunotoxicity Tumor Board for multidisciplinary management of severe or refractory irAEs.

Main Results:

• The described strategy integrates patient monitoring, data collection for research, and expert consultation for complex cases.
• This approach aims to standardize and improve the management of irAEs across various indications.
• The repository supports the identification of predictive biomarkers and optimal treatment strategies.

Conclusions:

• A structured, multidisciplinary approach is crucial for optimal management of immune-related adverse events.
• The three-pronged strategy enhances surveillance, treatment, and research related to irAEs.
• This model facilitates safe and effective use of immune checkpoint inhibitors and other immune therapies.