Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2025

Analysis of Human T Cell Activity in an Allogeneic Co-Culture Setting of Pre-Treated Tumor Cells
09:01

Analysis of Human T Cell Activity in an Allogeneic Co-Culture Setting of Pre-Treated Tumor Cells

Published on: March 7, 2025

305

Multiple or Single Endocrine Abnormalities Associated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Fumika Kamitani1, Yuichi Nishioka2, Hiroki Nakajima1

  • 1Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|June 12, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) who develop endocrine abnormalities, particularly multiple ones, show improved overall survival. This suggests a potential link between ICI-induced endocrine issues and better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Immunotherapy

Background:

  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can cause various endocrine abnormalities.
  • The underlying mechanisms and impact of these endocrine dysfunctions on patient survival are not fully understood.
  • Investigating the relationship between endocrine abnormalities and overall survival (OS) in patients treated with ICIs is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of single and multiple endocrine abnormalities on the overall survival (OS) of patients undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
  • To identify risk factors associated with endocrine abnormalities in patients receiving ICIs.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 12,978 patients treated with ICIs between 2014 and 2022 using the DeSC Japanese administrative claims database.
  • Endocrine abnormalities were identified based on hormone replacement therapy (levothyroxine, hydrocortisone, insulin) and specific diagnoses like hypothyroidism post-thyroiditis and type 1 diabetes.
  • Regression analyses were employed to assess risk factors for endocrine abnormalities and their impact on OS, adjusting for ICI treatment variables.

Main Results:

  • Single and multiple endocrine abnormalities were detected in 12.0% and 1.4% of patients, respectively.
  • Hypothyroidism combined with adrenal insufficiency was the most frequent combination (1.3%).
  • Patients with single or multiple endocrine abnormalities exhibited significantly better OS compared to those without (P < .01).
  • Multivariable analysis showed lower mortality in patients with endocrine abnormalities (aHR 0.39 for multiple, aHR 0.65 for single).
  • Mortality was significantly lower in patients with multiple endocrine abnormalities compared to those with single abnormalities (aHR 0.56).

Conclusions:

  • The development of endocrine abnormalities, especially multiple ones, in patients treated with ICIs is associated with improved overall survival.
  • This finding suggests a potential survival benefit linked to ICI-induced endocrine dysfunctions.
Keywords:
diabeteshypophysitisimmune checkpoint inhibitormultiple endocrine abnormalitiesthyroiditis

More Related Videos

Generation of Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumors and Ex vivo Characterization of Tumor-Infiltrating T Cell Cytotoxicity06:16

Generation of Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumors and Ex vivo Characterization of Tumor-Infiltrating T Cell Cytotoxicity

Published on: December 7, 2019

12.6K
Identifying PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors with Surface Plasmon Resonance Technology07:04

Identifying PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors with Surface Plasmon Resonance Technology

Published on: May 2, 2025

251

Related Concept Videos

Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
491
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer01:19

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
25
Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
1.4K
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
919
Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Overview
67.8K