Chronic sequelae of immune-related adverse events
Sean Ngo1, Jarrett Rong1, Raakhi Menon2
1Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Houston Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX, USA.
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety
|February 23, 2026
Summary
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective cancer treatments but can cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs). This review highlights the need for better understanding and management of chronic irAEs for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly used for cancer treatment.
- ICI therapy is associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs) affecting various organs.
- Effective management and long-term surveillance strategies for irAEs are critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the chronic sequelae of immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
- To focus on the persistence, outcomes, and future research implications of chronic irAEs.
- To address the gap in understanding and managing long-term effects of irAEs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review using PubMed.
- Identification of relevant articles from the past 10 years.
Main Results:
- Acute management of irAEs has improved.
- A significant gap exists in understanding and addressing chronic irAE sequelae.
- Challenges include complex cancer care, overlapping symptoms, and limited long-term data.
Conclusions:
- Continued research, including large multicenter studies and databases, is essential.
- Future research should aim to identify high-risk patients and refine management strategies.
- Evidence-based, long-term care for chronic irAEs needs development.
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