Immune-Related Oral, Otologic, and Ocular Adverse Events

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 have transformed cancer therapy.
• The first ICI, ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4), gained FDA approval in 2011, paving the way for numerous other approvals.
• Immunotherapy agents selectively modulate the immune response to fight cancer, representing a significant advancement over traditional chemotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the revolutionary impact of emerging immunotherapeutic agents in cancer treatment.
• To highlight the distinct toxicity profiles associated with these novel therapies.
• To introduce the concept and collective term for these unique side effects: immune-related adverse events (irAEs).

Main Methods:

• Literature review of FDA-approved immune checkpoint inhibitors.
• Analysis of the mechanism of action for immunotherapies.
• Examination of the known and emerging toxicity profiles of ICIs.

Main Results:

• Several immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 are now FDA-approved for various cancers.
• These agents represent a class of immunotherapy that enhances the body's anti-cancer immune response.
• Unlike traditional chemotherapy, ICIs are associated with a distinct set of side effects known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs).

Conclusions:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors have significantly advanced cancer treatment paradigms.
• Understanding the unique toxicity profile, including irAEs, is crucial for managing patients on immunotherapy.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term effects and management strategies for irAEs.