Resumption of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy Following Immune-related Adverse Events

Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are excessive immune responses resembling autoimmune diseases, induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and can affect organs throughout the body. In contrast to AEs associated with conventional cytotoxic anticancer agents, irAEs may persist or recur after treatment discontinuation. The risk of irAEs recurrence is thought to vary depending on the type and severity of the initial irAE, while the response rate depends on the type and sequence of ICIs re-administered. Therefore, the decision to resume ICI therapy depends on the type and severity of prior irAEs, as well as the anticipated benefits and risks of resumption. This review focuses on the risks and benefits of resuming ICI therapy after each irAE and summarizes the procedure for its resumption.