Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
10:52
Preparation of Mouse Pituitary Immunogen for the Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis
Published on: December 17, 2010
15.0K
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Hypophysitis and Pituitary Dysfunction: A Systematic Review of Diagnosis and
Pooja SirDeshpande1, Soorya Bavikeri Shivakumara Hegde2, Hassan Akhtar3
1Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, London Northwest University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, GBR.
Cureus
|January 9, 2026
Summary
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPi) can cause hypophysitis, leading to pituitary dysfunction. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for reducing long-term endocrine issues in cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis) are vital cancer therapies.
- ICPi-associated hypophysitis is an emerging immune-related adverse event (irAE).
- Understanding its clinical spectrum is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of ICPi-associated hypophysitis and pituitary dysfunction.
- To evaluate pituitary irAEs linked to CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, and combination therapies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 84 studies (2005-2025) including 7,259 patients.
- Analysis of data on ICPi type, demographics, cancer, treatment, imaging, pituitary dysfunction, symptoms, and management.
- Statistical analysis of pooled data.
Main Results:
- Common symptoms include fatigue, headache, hyponatraemia, and neuropsychiatric changes.
- CTLA-4 inhibitors, especially ipilimumab, more frequently caused hypopituitarism.
- PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors were linked to isolated ACTH deficiency; MRI may not detect early changes.
- Hypopituitarism is a frequent and persistent consequence.
Conclusions:
- ICPi-associated hypophysitis frequently leads to hypopituitarism.
- Early recognition via clinical, biochemical, and radiological assessment is essential.
- Timely management reduces long-term endocrine morbidity and optimizes outcomes.
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