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Immune checkpoint inhibitors, endocrine adverse events, and outcomes of melanoma

Hanna Karhapää1,2, Siru Mäkelä1,2, Hanna Laurén1,3

  • 1Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Endocrine Connections
|January 11, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) can cause endocrine adverse events (AEs). In metastatic melanoma patients, these AEs were linked to significantly improved progression-free and overall survival, suggesting a positive correlation.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a key treatment for metastatic melanoma.
  • Endocrine adverse events (AEs) are known side effects of ICIs.
  • There is a hypothesis that endocrine AEs may correlate with better treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between endocrine AEs and treatment outcomes in metastatic melanoma patients receiving ICIs in a real-world setting.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 140 metastatic melanoma patients treated with ICIs.
  • Assessment of endocrine toxicity and treatment outcomes using electronic health records, laboratory data, and radiological images.
  • Analysis included patient demographics, specific ICIs used, and types of endocrine AEs.

Main Results:

  • 29% of patients experienced endocrine AEs, most commonly thyroid disorders (26%) and hypophysitis (4%).
  • Endocrine AEs were associated with significantly longer median progression-free survival (8.1 vs. 2.7 months) and overall survival (47.5 vs. 23.7 months).
  • Radiological manifestations were observed in 39% of patients with endocrine AEs.

Conclusions:

  • Endocrine AEs in metastatic melanoma patients treated with ICIs may correlate with improved treatment outcomes.
  • Regular laboratory monitoring is suggested for early detection of endocrine AEs.
  • The findings support further investigation into the relationship between endocrine toxicity and therapeutic efficacy.
Keywords:
CTLA-4PD-1endocrine adverse eventimmune checkpoint inhibitortoxicity

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