Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2026
04:48
Chemotherapy-induced Vascular Toxicity - Real-time In vivo Imaging of Vessel Impairment
Published on: January 7, 2015
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Cardiovascular Toxic Effects: International Cardio-Oncology Society Position
Joerg Herrmann1, Ana Barac2, Joseph Carver3
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
JAMA Oncology
|November 13, 2025
Summary
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy improves cancer outcomes but can cause cardiovascular toxic effects, particularly myocarditis. This statement addresses management strategies for these serious adverse events.
Area of Science:
- Cardio-Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Cardiovascular Toxicology
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy offers improved cancer outcomes.
- ICI therapy is associated with immune-related adverse events, including significant cardiovascular (CV) toxic effects.
- Myocarditis is a primary concern among CV toxic effects associated with ICI therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a position statement on cardiovascular toxic effects of ICI therapy.
- To outline expert recommendations for managing ICI-related myocarditis and other CV adverse events.
- To highlight the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in patient care.
Main Methods:
- Consensus-based position statement from the International Cardio-Oncology Society.
- Inclusion of experts from oncology, hematology, and cardiology.
- Review of current understanding and management of ICI-related CV toxic effects.
Main Results:
- CV toxic effects encompass myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis, atherosclerosis exacerbation, cardiac dysfunction, and arrhythmias.
- Myocarditis presents with a spectrum of severity, with declining fatality rates.
- Ischemic heart disease is a key differential diagnosis; pericarditis and arrhythmias can coexist.
Conclusions:
- Myocarditis remains the most concerning CV toxic effect of ICI therapy.
- Management strategies are severity-dependent and require multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Further research is needed to address identified knowledge gaps in ICI-related CV toxic effects.
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