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Association between immune checkpoint inhibitor medication and uveitis: a population-based cohort study utilizing
Hou-Ting Kuo1,2, Chia-Yun Chen1,2, Alan Y Hsu1
1Department of Ophthalmology, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Frontiers in Immunology
|January 24, 2024
Summary
Cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have a significantly increased risk of developing uveitis. This finding highlights the need for increased awareness and monitoring for ocular side effects in patients undergoing ICI therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly used in cancer treatment.
- Uveitis is a potential, serious ocular side effect associated with various systemic therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy and the risk of developing uveitis in cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX electronic health record registry.
- Included 71,931 cancer patients treated with ICIs and 71,931 propensity score-matched controls.
- Utilized Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier analysis to assess uveitis risk.
Main Results:
- Patients receiving ICIs showed a significantly higher risk of developing uveitis (HR: 2.39, p<0.001).
- Increased risk observed for various specific uveitis types, including iridocyclitis and pan-uveitis.
- Elevated risk was consistent across subgroups, including different age groups, genders, ethnicities, and those with comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is associated with a substantially increased risk of uveitis in cancer patients.
- This risk is evident from the first year of treatment and persists throughout follow-up.
- Heightened clinical vigilance for uveitis is crucial in cancer patients receiving ICI treatment.
