Endocrine adverse effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective cancer therapies.
• ICIs can induce immune-related adverse events (irAEs) affecting multiple organs.
• Endocrine irAEs are common, potentially severe, and require prompt recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of endocrine irAEs.
• To enhance physician understanding of ICI-induced endocrine toxicities.
• To guide diagnosis and management strategies for endocrine irAEs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of immunotherapy-related adverse events.
• Analysis of epidemiological data on endocrine irAEs.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on pathophysiology and clinical manifestations.

Main Results:

• Endocrine toxicities are a frequent complication of ICI therapy.
• These events can manifest with significant morbidity and mortality if untreated.
• A broad range of endocrine glands can be affected.

Conclusions:

• Physicians require awareness of endocrine irAEs for timely diagnosis and management.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration between oncologists, endocrinologists, and other physicians is essential.
• Understanding ICI-induced endocrine adverse events improves patient care and outcomes.