i3 Health is pleased to make the speaker slides from this activity available for use as a non-accredited self-study or teaching resource.
This slide deck, presented by Blanca Ledezma, MSN, NP, AOCNP® Nurse Practitioner
Hematology/Oncology
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Health, will provide insight into the nurse’s view on managing immune-related adverse events to ensure optimal cancer immunotherapy outcomes.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors, which alter immune regulatory pathways and promote cell-mediated destruction of tumor cells, have revolutionized the treatment of cancer in recent years, with numerous therapeutic agents approved and several targets under investigation (Chennamadhavuni et al, 2022). However, up to 90% of patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors experience immune-related adverse events, which can affect a wide variety of organ systems and can occur at any time during treatment or even after treatment completion (NCCN, 2023). Immune-related adverse events are associated with significant morbidity as well as the risk of therapy discontinuation, which can have an unpredictable impact on patients’ disease course. Therefore, it is critical for nurses to understand the mechanism, identification, and timely management of immune-related adverse events (Shankar et al, 2022). In this activity presented by Blanca Ledezma, MSN, NP, AOCNP®, Nurse Practitioner at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Health, will provide insight into the nurse’s view on managing immune-related adverse events to ensure optimal cancer immunotherapy outcomes.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and other health care professionals involved in the management of patients with immune-related adverse events (IRAEs).
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Discuss how the mechanisms of action of immunotherapies influence their safety profile
Identify risk factors predisposing patients to IRAEs
Distinguish IRAEs from chemotherapy- and targeted therapy-related adverse events
Coordinate with the interdisciplinary health care team to apply evidence-based guidelines and best practices in personalized nursing management plans for patients with IRAEs
Develop patient counseling strategies promoting awareness, self-monitoring, and escalated reporting of IRAEs
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Managing Immune-Related Adverse Events to Ensure Optimal Cancer Immunotherapy Outcomes: The Nurse’s View
1. Managing Immune-Related Adverse Events to Ensure
Optimal Cancer Immunotherapy Outcomes:
The Nurse’s View
Blanca Ledezma, MSN, NP, AOCNP®
Nurse Practitioner
Hematology/Oncology
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Health
3. Learning Objectives
IRAEs = immune-related adverse events.
Discuss how the mechanisms of action of immunotherapies influence their
safety profile
Identify risk factors predisposing patients to IRAEs
Distinguish IRAEs from chemotherapy- and targeted therapy–related
adverse events
Coordinate with the interdisciplinary health care team to apply evidence-
based guidelines and best practices in personalized nursing management
plans for patients with IRAEs
Develop patient counseling strategies promoting awareness, self-
monitoring, and escalated reporting of IRAEs
5. Epidemiology
PD-L1 = programmed cell death protein ligand 1; CTLA-4 = cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated protein 4.
Pallin et al, 2018; Brahmer et al, 2021.
In the US, 15.5 million people live with cancer or have a history of cancer
In 2040, the number is expected to rise to 26.1 million
Treatment with immunotherapy/immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is the
standard of care for several cancers
In 2018, a study found that 44% of patients with both metastatic solid tumors
and hematologic tumors could use ICI
A systemic review found that patients developed IRAEs at a rate of 74% with
anti–PD-L1 inhibitors, 89% with anti–CTLA-4 inhibitors, and 90% with
combination ICIs
6. Delayed Onset and Prolonged Duration of IRAEs
AE = adverse events.
Puzanov et al, 2017.
IRAEs from immunotherapy treatments have led to delayed onset and
prolonged duration when compared to AEs from chemotherapy
As a result of the diverse clinical presentation of IRAEs, patients may
present with IRAEs late in their treatment course, with some cases
presenting months or years after discontinuation of treatment
7. Median Time to Onset of IRAEs
Pallin et al, 2018; Puzanov et al, 2017.
Can occur early on, days to months from initiation of therapy
IRAEs are less predictable and can occur long after cessation of treatment
Onset can be earlier when given in combination
Important to monitor patients for IRAEs during and after treatment
discontinuation
8. Epidemiology of Fatal IRAEs
VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor.
Martins et al, 2019.
Fatal IRAE incidence is estimated to be 0.3%-1.3%
Lower risk than with conventional treatment
Platinum doublet chemotherapy: 0.9%
Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant: 15%
VEGF-targeted agents/tyrosine kinase inhibitors: 0%-4%
Median time to onset for fatal toxic event is 14.5 days for ICI combinations
and inclined to be delayed by 40 days for monotherapy
9. Majority of IRAEs Are Mild to Moderate
GI = gastrointestinal; PD-1 = programmed cell death protein 1; neuro = neurological; ocul = ocular.
Puzanov et al, 2017.
Most Frequently Affect Skin and GI
11. Immunotherapy Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Brahmer et al, 2021.
ICIs block key regulatory signals that dampen immune responses,
counteracting immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment and
therefore enabling tumor-reactive T cells to mount an effective
anticancer response
12. PD-L1/PD-1 Inhibitor and CTLA-4 Inhibitor MOA
MHC = major histocompatibility complex; TCR = T-cell receptor; CD = cluster of differentiation; ipi = ipilimumab.
Armezzani, 2019; Cooper et al, 2015.
.
Tumor Microenvironment Lymph Node
13. CAR T MOA
CAR = chimeric antigen receptor; TAA = tumor-associated antigen.
Li et al, 2018.
14. FDA-Approved Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
FDA = US Food and Drug Administration.
Yang et al, 2023; Russo et al, 2020; USFDA, 2023a; USFDA 2023b.
PD-1 inhibitors:
Cemiplimab
Nivolumab
Pembrolizumab
Dostarlimab
Retifanlimab-dlwr (granted FDA
accelerated approval, pending
confirmatory trials)
PD-L1 inhibitors:
Atezolizumab
Avelumab
Durvalumab
CTLA-4 inhibitor:
Ipilimumab
Combination therapy:
Ipilimumab/nivolumab
Chemo/ICI
ICI/targeted therapy
16. FDA-Approved CAR T-Cell Therapies
BCMA = B-cell maturation antigen.
NCI, 2022; Chen et al, 2023.
Generic Name Target Antigen Targeted Disease Patient Population
Tisagenlecleucel CD19
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Children and young adults with refractory or
relapsed B-cell ALL
B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) Adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell NHL
Axicabtagene
ciloleucel
CD19
B-cell NHL Adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell NHL
Follicular lymphoma
Adults with relapsed or refractory follicular
lymphoma
Brexucabtagene
autoleucel
CD19
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) Adults with relapsed or refractory MCL
B-cell ALL Adults with refractory or relapsed B-cell ALL
Lisocabtagene
maraleucel
CD19 B-cell NHL Adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell NHL
Idecabtagene
vicleucel
BCMA Multiple myeloma
Adults with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma
myeloma
Ciltacabtagene
autoleucel
BCMA Multiple myeloma
Adults with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma
myeloma
17. Other Types of Immunotherapy
IFN = interferon; TCR = T-cell receptor; IL = interleukin.
Gupta et al, 2022; Kaplon et al, 2023; Koury et al, 2018; Sarnaik et al, 2021.
Cytokine therapy
High dose IL-2
IFN-𝛼 2b
Monoclonal antibodies
Rituximab
Bispecific antibodies
Blinatumomab
Teclistimab, others
Cancer vaccines
Sipuleucel-T
Oncolytic virus
Talimogene laherparepvec
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
Lifileucel (under FDA review)
TCR-transduced T cells
Clinical trials
20. Risk Factors for IRAEs (cont.)
Shimozaki et al, 2021; Liu et al, 2021; Chennamadhuvuni et al, 2022.
Demographics:
<60 years of age
Men (PD-1/PD-L1)
Woman (CTLA-4)
ECOG 2
>50 pack-year smoking history or
currently smoking
Higher body mass index
Sarcopenia
Low muscle mass
Medical history:
History of an allergy
Autoimmune disease
Hypertension
Cardiac history
Pulmonary history or previous
thoracic radiation
Chronic kidney disease
21. Risk Factors for IRAEs (cont.)
Shimozaki et al, 2021; Liu et al, 2021; Chennamadhuvuni et al, 2022.
Medications/vaccinations:
PPIs & NSAIDs
Diuretics & ACEI/ARD
Anthracyclines, HER2 inhibitors,
VEGF TKIs
Antibiotics
Influenza vaccinations
Vitamin D deficiency
Labs:
Serum albumin >3.6
Neutrophil to lymphocyte
ratio <3
Pre-existing autoantibodies
Augmented expression of cytokines
Gut microbiome
Distinct human leukocyte antigen
(HLA)
HLA-DR4
22. Tumor- and Agent-Specific Risk Factors for IRAEs
aOdds ratio is from 2 different studies.
OR = odds ratio.
Chennamadhavuni, et al, 2022.
Factor High risk of IRAE (odds ratio)
Tumor-specific
Non-specific
• Higher disease burden (≥2 metastatic sites, OR=8.62), higher tumor
mutational burden
Melanoma
• High risk for diarrhea (1.9/1.3)
a
, rash (1.8/1.6)
a
, pruritis (2.4/1.5)
a
, colitis
colitis (4.2/not reported)
a
• Low risk for pneumonitis (0.4/0.3)
a
Breast cancer • Higher fatal adverse events in patients with PD-1 (3.1%)
AML/MDS • High risk for dermatitis and hepatitis
Agent-specific
CTLA-4 inhibitors
• In combination with PD-1 (vs PD-1/PD-L1) (1.53/1.88)
a
• Monotherapy (vs PD-1/PD-L1): organ-nonspecific (2.02); colitis (8.7);
hypophysitis (6.5); and rash (2)
PD-1 inhibitors
• Pneumonitis (6.4), arthralgia, vitiligo (3.5), and hypothyroidism (4.3) vs.
vs. CTLA-4
Organ-nonspecific
• High risk when combined with chemotherapy (OR for grade 1-5, 2.67; OR
2.67; OR for grade 3-4, 1.83)
23. Biomarkers for Predicting IRAEs
a2 values represent results of 2 different studies; 2Cutoff values are not well established; GISpecific for gastrointestinal adverse events.
ALC = absolute lymphocyte count; AMC = absolute monocyte count; AEC = absolute eosinophilic count; NLR = neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio; dNLR = derived NLR; PLR =
platelet lymphocyte ratio; ANC = absolute neutrophil count; MLR = monocyte to lymphocyte ratio; TNFα = tumor necrosis factor alpha;
CXCL = chemokine ligand; GNAL = guanine nucleotide-binding protein G subunit alpha; ITM2B = integral membrane protein 2B; BP = bullous pemphigoid;
IgG = immunoglobulin G.
Chennamadhavuni, et al, 2022.
Circulating blood counts
counts
• ALC (>2.6 k/μL)
• AEC
a
(>240/μL; >125/μL)
• AMC (>0.29k/uL)
• Platelet count (>145 k/μL)
• NLR
a
(<3; <2.3)
• dNLR (>3)
• PLR
a
(< 534; < 180)
• ANC (<6.5)
• MLR (< 0.73)
• Lower T-regulatory
GI
cells at the baseline (2.5% in IRAE group versus 8.4% in non-IRAE group)
• CD8+ cells (clonal expansion >55)
• Early T-cell receptor repertoire diversity
• Drop-in white blood cell (WBC) count (by 59%) and relative lymphocytic count (by 32%) from baseline
Cytokines
• Lower baseline levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL8, interferon γ-induced protein (IP)-10, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and CXCL19. Post-
Post-treatment significant rise in the levels of IL-6, CXCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL10 levels
• Higher IL-7 at the baseline and exponential rise
• Significant rise in granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) at 4 weeks compared to baseline
• Serial interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), decrease to <10 IU/ml 3-6 weeks after starting ICI
• A significant rise (mean rise from 8.4 mg/L to 52.7mg/L) C-reactive protein (CRP)
Autoantibodies
• Higher soluble CTLA-4 (>200 pg/ml)
• Autoantibody detection: anti-GNAL, anti-ITM2B, and anti-CD74, rheumatoid factor, anti-nuclear and antithyroid antibody,
antibody, antithyroid peroxidase antibody, antithyroglobulin antibody
• Lower baseline (≤45μg/L) soluble major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related protein A (MICA), lower soluble CD25
CD25 (median level was 630 pg/ml in IRAE group), and a significant rise in soluble CD163 (± 21.3%)
• Anti-BP180 IgG (median was 6.1 U/mL)
24. Biomarkers for Predicting IRAEs (cont.)
skin = specific for dermal adverse events.
HLA = human leukocyte antigen; SNP = single nucleotide polvmorphisms; ECG = electrocardiogram.
Chennamadhavuni, et al, 2022
Serum proteins
• Higher baseline albumin (≥3.6 g/dl)
• Significant drop in post-treatment leptin levels from baseline
• Higher baseline thyroid-stimulating hormone levels (1.67 mIU/L)
• Elevated troponin for cardiac IRAE
• Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥245 U/L
HLA genotypes
• HLA types: HLA-DRB1*11:01
skin
and HLA-DQB1*03:01
GI
alleles
• Predominance of HLA-DR4
• HLA-DR15, B52 and Cw12 IRAE-pituitary
• HLA-DRB1*04: 05 for IRAE-arthritis
• HLA-DPA1*02:02 and DPB1*05:01 in IRAE-diabetes
MicroRNA and gene expression
profiling
• Increased IRAE risk: mapped to 1 variant A allele in GABRP SNP rs11743438; 1 variant A allele in GABRP SNP
rs11743435; 1 variant allele A in the DSC2 SNP JHU_20.57183980; 1 variant allele G in the BAZ2B SNP rs56328422; 1
1 variant allele T in the SEMA5A SNP rs3026321
• Post-treatment (3-week) increased expression of CD177
GI
(12.2-fold higher in IRAE group than non-IRAE group) and
and CEACAM1
GI
genes
• Suppressed miR-146a gene (by SNP s2910164)
• Reduced IRAE risk: mapped to RGMA, ANKRD42, PACRG, GLIS3, ROBO1 genes
Intestinal microbiota
GI
• Abundant Bacteroidetes phylum, specifically Bacteroidaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Barnesiellaceae (deficient polyamine
polyamine transport and vitamin B biosynthesis)
• Abundant Faecalibacterium genus and other Firmicutes at baseline
• At the phylum level, low Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio; at the genus level, a relative abundance of Alistipes,
low Bacteroides, and high Blautia, Lachnospiraceae, and Faecalibacterium
Stool testing
GI
• Stool calprotectin (>150mcg/g) and positive lactoferrin in colitis-IRAE
Cardiac workup • ECG abnormalities, and low echocardiographic global longitudinal strain (GLS) may predict cardiac-IRAE
25. Risk Factors by Cancer Type and Treatment
RCC = renal cell carcinoma; HIV = human immunodeficiency virus; BRAF = B-raf proto-oncogene; MEK = mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase; EGFR = epidermal growth factor receptor.
Liu et al, 2021.
Risk factor Cancer type Treatment IRAE
Body composition parameters
Low muscle attenuation Melanoma CTLA-4 inhibitor
Grade 3-4 IRAE include rash, diarrhea,
colitis, hypopituitarism, arthritis etc.
Sex
Female Melanoma CTLA-4 inhibitor
Grade 3-4 IRAE include pruritus, diarrhea,
diarrhea, hypophysitis etc.
Tumor histology
Melanoma compared to NSCLC CTLA-4 inhibitor & PD-L1 inhibitor
↑Risk of GI & skin IRAE
↓Risk of pneumonitis
Melanoma compared to RCC CTLA-4 inhibitor & PD-L1 inhibitor
↑Risk of dermatitis, arthritis, myalgia
↓Risk of pneumonitis & dyspnea
RCC compared to melanoma CTLA-4 inhibitor & PD-L1 inhibitor ↑Risk of pneumonitis & dyspnea
Past medical history
Pre-existing autoimmune disease (AD) Solid tumors CTLA-4 inhibitors & PD-L1 inhibitors
Likely increased risk of IRAE, particularly
patients on immunosuppressive therapy
HIV infection Solid tumors CTLA-4 inhibitors & PD-L1 inhibitors Not increased
Concurrent or sequential treatment
High dose radiotherapy Solid tumors CTLA-4 inhibitors & PD-L1 inhibitors
Likely increased risk of IRAE, particularly
patients receiving higher radiation dose
Vemurafenib Melanoma CTLA-4 inhibitors Hepatic toxicity
Trametinib + vemurafenib Melanoma CTLA-4 inhibitors Severe colitis
BRAF & MEK inhibitor Melanoma PD-L1 inhibitors Hepatic toxicity, pyrexia
Crizotinib NSCLC PD-L1 inhibitors Hepatic toxicity
EGFR-TKI except osimertinib NSCLC PD-L1 inhibitors Not increased
Osimertinib prior to ICIs NSCLC PD-L1 inhibitors
Grade 3-4 IRAEs include pneumonitis,
hepatitis, colitis
Osimertinib after ICIs NSCLC PD-L1 inhibitors Increased rate of ILD
26. Risk Factors by Cancer Type and Treatment (cont.)
s = soluble; REC = relative eosinophil count.
Liu et al, 2021.
Risk factor Cancer type Treatment IRAE
Antibodies
Pretreatment anti-thyroid antibody
NSCLC PD-L1 inhibitors
Thyroid dysfunction
Pre-treatment rheumatoid factor Skin reaction, myasthenia
Cytokine assays
↑Baseline IL-17 Melanoma CTLA-4 inhibitors Grade 3 colitis
↓IL-10 after treatment Urothelial carcinoma CTLA-4 inhibitors Ischemic papillopathy & optic neuritis
↓IL-10 and ↑IL-2 after treatment Melanoma CTLA-4 inhibitors IRAE
↑Baseline IL-6 (P<0.05) Melanoma CTLA-4 inhibitors
Grade 3-4 IRAEs include rash, diarrhea, colitis,
hypopituitarism, arthritis etc.
↓Baseline IL-6, IL-8, & sCD25 Melanoma CTLA-4 inhibitors Colitis
↑IL-6 after treatment Melanoma PD-L1 inhibitor Cutaneous IRAE
↓Baseline CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11 and CXCL19
↑Post-treatment CXCL9 and CXCL10
Solid tumors PD-L1 inhibitor & CTLA-4 inhibitor Pneumonitis, thyroid, arthritis, dermatitis, etc.
↑Circulating sCD163 Melanoma PD-L1 inhibitor IRAE
↑Baseline sCTLA-4 level Melanoma CTLA-4 inhibitor Gastrointestinal IRAE
Blood cells
↑WBC ↓RLC ↑RNC Melanoma PD-L1 inhibitor GI IRAE pulmonary IRAE
↑CD177 & CEACAM1 (neutrophil-activation markers) Melanoma CTLA-4 inhibitor GI IRAE
ALC > 2,000; ↑Baseline AEC Solid tumors PD-L1 inhibitor
IRAEs include rash, colitis, hepatitis, pneumonitis,
pneumonitis, etc.
↑Baseline AEC at and REC after treatment Melanoma PD-L1 inhibitor Endocrine IRAEs
Circulating T cells repertoire Prostate cancer CTLA-4 inhibitor IRAEs
Clonal expansion of CD8 T cells clones in peripheral blood Prostate cancer CTLA-4 inhibitor IRAEs?
Gut microbiome
Faecalibaterium and other firmicutes Melanoma CTLA-4 inhibitor Colitis
B. fragilis and Burkholderia cepacia Murine sarcoma CTLA-4 inhibitor ↓ Intestinal IRAE
Bacteroidetes phylum Melanoma CTLA4 inhibitor ↓ Colitis
Genetic variability
Predominance of HLA-DR4 Solid-organ cancer PD-L1 inhibitor Diabetes
Homozygous variant of PDCD1 804 C>T(rs2227981) NSCLC PD-L1 inhibitor ↓ IRAEs
27. IRAEs-Toxicities in Every System
DRESS = drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms.
Schneider et al, 2021; Martins et al, 2019; Puzanov et al, 2017.
28. Most Common IRAEs
Schneider et al, 2021; Puzanov et al, 2017; Trinh et al, 2019.
Lung
• Pneumonitis
Cutaneous
• Rash
• Dermatitis
• Pruritis
Endocrine
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Hypophysitis
Gastrointestinal
• Colitis
• Diarrhea
• Hepatitis
Musculoskeletal
• Arthralgia
• Myalgias
30. Identifying Signs and Symptoms of IRAEs
Yeung et al, 2020.
Presenting symptom Warning signs Potential immune-related adverse effect
Part A: neurological symptoms
Headache Neck stiffness Meningitis
Hypotension Hypophysitis
Mental status change Neck stiffness Meningitis
Weakness Respiratory failure Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis
Paraplegia Transverse myelitis
Mental status change Encephalitis
Part B: cardiopulmonary symptoms
Chest pain Peripheral edema Myocarditis
Dyspnea on exertion, pulsus paradoxus, electric alternans
alternans
Pericarditis
Cough Hypoxia Pneumonitis
Shortness of breath Hypoxia Pneumonitis
Peripheral edema Myocarditis
Pulsus paradoxus, electric alternans Pericarditis
Pale
Hemolytic anemia, hemophagocytic
lymphohistiocytosis
Dehydration and tachypnea Diabetic ketoacidosis
Palpitation/irregular tachycardia Thyrotoxicosis (Graves disease vs thyroiditis)
31. Identifying Signs and Symptoms of IRAEs (cont.)
Yeung et al, 2020.
Presenting symptom Warning signs Potential immune-related adverse effect involved
Part C: gastrointestinal symptoms
Abdominal pain Mental status change, jaundice Hepatitis
Nausea and vomiting Pancreatitis
Diarrhea, dehydration Colitis
Dehydration and tachypnea Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diarrhea Dehydration, abdominal pain/tenderness Colitis
Vomiting Stiff neck, mental status change Meningitis
Abdominal pain Pancreatitis
Jaundice Hepatitis
Part D: miscellaneous symptoms
Vision change Eye pain Uveitis
Rash Bullae with Niklosky sign Pemphigus vulgaris
Niklosky sign with mucosal involvement
Steven-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis
necrolysis
Fatigue Hypotension Adrenal insufficiency
Hypophysitis
Bradycardia Hypothyroidism
Myocarditis
Dehydration and tachypnea Diabetic ketoacidosis
Splenomegaly Hemolytic anemia
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Joint pain Swelling, restricted movement Arthritis
32. Toxicity Grading Scale for IRAEs
ADL = activities of daily living; iADL = instrumental ADLs.
NCI, 2017; Trinh et al, 2019.
Treated and evaluated based on the National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE)
Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5
Asymptomatic
Symptomatic
Limits iADLs
Severe symptoms
Limits self-care ADLs
Life-threatening Death
No treatment indicated;
clinical or lab observation
Treatment indicated
Hospitalization indicated
Urgent interventions
interventions needed
needed
Therapy should be
continued
Should hold treatment
until IRAE has resolved
and reinitiated, low dose
dose corticosteroids can
can be used (0.5-1.0
mg/kg/day)
Treatment should be held or permanently discontinued & use of
use of corticosteroids (1-2 mg/kg/day). Other
immunosuppressants may be required if steroid refractory such as
such as infliximab or mycophenolate
33. Differences in Adverse Events
Khan et al, 2018; Trinh et al, 2019; Magee et al, 2020.
Meta-analysis found PD-1 inhibitors (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) had significantly fewer
adverse events overall when compared to chemotherapy
Chemotherapy was associated with increased neutropenia, anemia, alopecia, stomatitis, and
myalgias
Fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea, and asthenia were caused by both treatments
but were more frequent with chemotherapy
With PD-1 inhibitors, there were more hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, rash, and
pneumonitis
It has been noted that use of immunotherapy is associated with fewer AEs (65.82% for
immunotherapy vs chemotherapy 85.26%)
Treatment discontinuation was less with immunotherapy-treated patients (6.41%) vs
chemotherapy (10.75%)
Deaths are less with immunotherapy-treated patients (0.87%) vs chemotherapy (1.28%)
Chemotherapy Versus Immunotherapy
35. Endocrine IRAEs: Thyroid
TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone; FT4 = free thyroxine; FSH = follicle stimulating hormone.
Trinh et al, 2019; Puzanov et al, 2017; Schneider et al, 2021; Brahmer et al, 2021.
Diagnosis/evaluation:
Hyperthyroid:
Symptoms: tachycardia, weight loss, heat intolerance, tremors, anxiety, diarrhea
Rule out alternative etiology: Graves disease
Labs TSH, FT4, TSH receptor antibody if Graves is suspected
Hypothyroid:
Symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, cold intolerance, constipation, depression
Rule out alternative etiology: if low FSH and low FT4, evaluate for hypophysitis
Labs: TSH, FT4
Endocrinopathies are seen in approximately 10%
Management:
May need to hold, replacement of hormone, beta blocker
Endocrine consultation based on presentation or grade
36. Thyroid IRAEs: Hypothyroidism
G1 = grade 1; G2 = grade 2; G3 = grade 3; G4 = grade 4.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Primary hypothyroidism
Workup and evaluation
• TSH, with the option of close including FT4, can be checked every 4-6 weeks as part of routine clinical monitoring for asymptomatic patients on ICI therapy
• TSH and FT4 should be used for case detection in symptomatic patients
• Low TSH with a low FT4 is consistent with central hypothyroidism. Evaluate as per hypophysitis
• Commonly develops after thyroiditis
Grading Management
G1: TSH >4.5 and <10
and asymptomatic
Should continue ICI with monitoring of TSH (option for FT4) every 4-6 weeks as part of routine care
G2: Moderate symptoms,
able to perform ADL. TSH
persistently >10 mIU/L
May continue or hold ICI until symptoms resolve to baseline
Consider endocrine consultation for unusual clinical presentations, concern for central hypothyroidism, or difficulty titrating hormone therapy
Prescribe thyroid hormone supplementation in symptomatic patients with any degree of TSH elevation or in asymptomatic patients with TSH levels that persist over 10 mIU/L
G3-4: Severe symptoms,
medically significant or life-
life-threatening
consequences, unable to
perform ADL
Hold ICI until symptoms resolve to baseline with appropriate supplementation
Endocrine consultation to assist with rapid hormone replacement
Hospital admission for developing myxedema (bradycardia, hypothermia, and altered mental status)
Inpatient endocrinology consultation can assist with IV levothyroxine dosing, steroids, and supportive care
If there is uncertainty about whether primary or central hypothyroidism is present, hydrocortisone should be given before thyroid hormone is initiated
Myxedema coma is a life-threatening emergency requiring admission and a high level of care
Thyroid supplementation and reassessment as in G2
Additional considerations
• For patients with risk factor (ie, <70 years old, not frail, and without cardiac disease or multiple comorbidities), full replacement can be estimated using ideal body weight for dose of approximately 1.6
approximately 1.6 mcg/kg/day
• For those >70 years old and/or frail patients with multiple comorbidities (including cardiac disease), considering titrating up from a lower starting dose of 25-50 μg
• Elevated TSH can be seen in the recovery phase of thyroiditis. In asymptomatic patients with FT4 that remains in the reference range, it is an option to monitor before treating to determine whether there is
whether there is recovery to normal within 3-4 weeks. Progression or development of symptoms should be treated as per G2
• Development of a low TSH on therapy suggests overtreatment or recovery of thyroid function and dose should be reduced or discontinued with close follow-up
37. Thyroid IRAEs: Thyrotoxicosis
Schneider et al, 2021.
Thyrotoxicosis
Workup and evaluation
• TSH can be checked every 4-6 weeks as part of routine clinical monitoring for asymptomatic patients on ICI therapy
• TSH and FT4 should be used for case detection in symptomatic patients. T3 can be helpful in highly symptomatic patients with minimal FT4 elevations
• Low TSH with a low FT4 is consistent with central hypothyroidism. Evaluate as per hypophysitis
• Consider TSH receptor antibody testing if there are clinical features and suspicion of Graves disease (eg, ophthalmopathy and T3 toxicosis)
Grading Management
G1: Asymptomatic or mild symptoms
Can continue ICI
Beta-blocker (eg, atenolol or propranolol) for symptomatic relief
Close monitoring of thyroid function every 2-3 weeks after diagnosis to catch the transition to hypothyroidism, the most common outcome for transient
transient subacute thyroiditis
Treat transition to elevated TSH and low FT4 as for primary hypothyroidism
For persistent thyrotoxicosis (>6 weeks) consider endocrine consultation for additional workup
G2: Moderate symptoms, able to
ADL
Consider holding ICI until symptoms return to baseline
Consider endocrine consultation
Beta-blocker (eg, atenolol or propranolol) for symptomatic relief
Hydration and supportive care
For persistent thyrotoxicosis (>6 weeks) refer to endocrinology for additional workup and possible medical thyroid suppression
G3-4: Severe symptoms, medically
significant or life-threatening
consequences, unable to perform ADL
ADL
Hold ICI until symptoms resolve to baseline with appropriate therapy
Endocrine consultation for all patients
Beta blocker (eg, atenolol or propranolol)
Hydration and supportive care
Consider hospitalizing patients in severe cases as inpatient endocrine consultation can guide the use of additional medical therapies including steroids, potassium
potassium iodide (SSKI), or thionamide (methimazole or propylthiouracil) and possible surgery
Additional considerations
• Thyroiditis is self-limited and the initial hyperthyroidism generally resolves in weeks with supportive care, most often to primary hypothyroidism or occasionally to normal. Persistent or symptomatic
symptomatic hypothyroidism developing after hyperthyroidism should be treated as above
• Graves disease has not been reported with ICI specifically, but sporadic cases could occur. Graves disease is generally persistent and is treated with antithyroid medical therapy, radioactive iodine, or
iodine, or surgery. Endocrine consultation is recommended if suspected
• Physical examination findings of ophthalmopathy or thyroid bruit are diagnostic of Graves disease and should prompt early endocrine referral
38. Endocrine IRAEs: Pituitary Hypophysitis
Diagnosis/evaluation
Frequency: endocrinopathies are seen in approximately 10%
Symptoms: headaches, fatigue, visual changes, loss of libido,
mood changes, oligomenorrhea
Rule out alternative etiology: pituitary mass, Addison’s or
adrenal hemorrhage
Labs to include 8 am cortisol, ACTH, TSH, FT4, electrolytes,
consider LH/testosterone in males and FSH and estrogen in
females, MRI of the brain with pituitary or sellar cuts
Management:
Replacement of deficient hormones
High-dose steroids may be needed if MRI findings of pituitary
enlargement
May need to consider holding until stabilized
Endocrine consultation based on grade
ACTH = adrenocorticotropic hormone; LH = luteinizing hormone; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging.
Trinh et al, 2019; Puzanov et al, 2017; Schneider et al, 2021; Brahmer et al, 2021; Chang & Yialamas, 2018.
39. Pituitary IRAEs: Hypophysitis
EMS = emergency medical services; HPA = hypothalamic pituitary adrenal; Q = every.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Pituitary—Hypophysitis
Workup and evaluation
• Evaluate ACTH (am), cortisol (am), TSH, FT4, and electrolytes
• Consider standard-dose ACTH stimulation testing for indeterminate results (am cortisol >3 µg/dL and <15 µg/dL)
• Consider evaluation LH and testosterone in males, FSH, and estrogen in premenopausal females with fatigue, loss of libido and mood changes, or oligomenorrhea
• Consider MRI brain with or without contrast with pituitary or sellar cuts in all patients with new hormonal deficiencies and particularly those with multiple endocrine abnormalities ± new severe headaches or complaints of vision changes
• Perform MRI brain with or without contrast with pituitary or sellar cuts for all patients presenting with diabetes insipidus (Diabetes insipidus is most commonly from metastatic disease)
Grading Management
All grades
Referral to endocrinology
Education on steroid stress dosing, emergency injections, and a medical alert bracelet or necklace, accessory, or system
G1:
or mild symptoms
symptoms
Consider holding ICI until patient is stabilized or replacement hormones
Endocrine consultation
Corticosteroid replacement for adrenal insufficiency with preference for hydrocortisone (15-20 mg in divided doses)
Initiate other hormone replacement only after any needed adrenal replacement to avoid precipitating adrenal crisis
• Thyroid hormone replacement if needed using dosing as above for primary hypothyroidism, with a goal FT4 in the upper half of the reference range (TSH is not accurate in central hypothyroidism)
• Testosterone or estrogen therapy if needed in those without contraindications (eg, prostate cancer, breast cancer, or history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
G2: Moderate
symptoms, able to
to perform ADL
Consider holding ICI until patient is stabilized or replacement hormones
Endocrine consultation
Clinic evaluation to assess need for steroids and volume repletion
Consider oral pulse dose therapy in patients with MRI findings of swelling or threatened optic chiasm compression [prednisone 1 mg/kg/day (or equivalent)]. Taper over 1-2 weeks and transition to physiologic maintenance therapy once down to 5 mg
once down to 5 mg prednisone equivalent
Hormonal supplementation as in G1
G3-4: Severe
symptoms,
medically
significant or life-
life-threatening
consequences,
unable to perform
perform ADL
Hold ICI until patient is stabilized on replacement hormones
Endocrine consultation
Hospitalize or make an emergency department (ED) referral for:
• Normal saline (at least 2L) or monitored free water replacement if diabetes insipidus
• Intravenous (IV) Stress dose steroids. Hydrocortisone 50-100 mg Q 6-8 hours initial dosing
• Oral pulse dose therapy with prednisone 1-2 mg/kg/day (or equivalent) tapered over at least 1-2 weeks to physiologic maintenance in patients with significant swelling on MRI, optic chiasm compression, severe headache, or visual changes
changes
Taper stress dose corticosteroids down to oral maintenance doses over 5-7 days
Maintenance therapy as in G1
Additional considerations
• Please be aware of the need to start corticosteroids first when planning hormone replacement therapy for multiple deficiencies as other hormones accelerate the clearance of cortisol and can precipitate adrenal crisis
• ACTH stimulation can give a false-negative result early in hypophysitis as adrenal reserve declines slowly after pituitary stimulation is lost. In the presence of clinical uncertainty, opt for replacement and test for ongoing need at 3 months
• If prednisone or equivalent is started for mild or moderate symptoms, consider lower doses (average daily dose over 2 months <7.5 mg) because of report of reduced survival on higher doses
• All patients need education on stress dosing for sick days, use of emergency steroid injectables, when to seek medical attention for impending adrenal crisis, and a medical alert bracelet for adrenal insufficiency to trigger stress dose corticosteroids by EMS
EMS
• Steroid use for other IRAEs can cause isolated central adrenal insufficiency with a low ACTH. In a patient with adrenal insufficiency, a recent history of treatment with corticosteroids, and no other central hormone deficiencies, the HPA axis should be tested for recovery
tested for recovery after 3 months of maintenance therapy with hydrocortisone
• Laboratory confirmation of adrenal insufficiency (AI) should not be attempted in patients given high-dose corticosteroids for other IRAEs until treatment is ready to be discontinued
• AM cortisol in a patient on corticosteroids is not diagnostic as the measurement of therapeutic steroids in the assay for cortisol varies. Hydrocortisone needs to be held for 24 hours and other steroids for longer before endogenous function is assessed. Consider consulting
Consider consulting endocrinology for recovery and weaning protocols using hydrocortisone in patients with symptoms of AI after wearing off corticosteroids
40. Pulmonary IRAEs: Pneumonitis
Schneider et al, 2021; Brahmer et al, 2021; Puzanov et al, 2017; Naidoo et al, 2016.
Diagnosis/evaluation:
Frequency: ranges from 0%-10%
Symptoms: worsening shortness of breath, cough,
wheezing, chest pain, new or increasing oxygen
requirements
Rule out alternative etiology: disease progression,
infection, pulmonary embolism
Labs to consider blood cultures, urine culture, sputum
culture, nasal swab, sensitivity for COVID-19, and
imaging with computed tomography, pulse oximetry
Management:
Prompt intervention is imperative
Patient symptom reporting will be key
Based on grade corticosteroids may need to be initiated
If steroid refractory, additional immunosuppression may
be needed
Pulmonary and infectious disease referral if necessary
41. Pulmonary IRAEs: Pneumonitis (cont.)
CT = computed tomography; CXR = chest X-ray; DLCO = diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide; BAL = bronchoalveolar lavage;
IVIG = intravenous immune globulin
Schneider et al, 2021.
Pneumonitis
Workup and evaluation
• Should include the following: pulse oximetry and CT chest preferably with contrast if concerned for other etiologies such as pulmonary embolus
• For G2 or higher, may include the following infectious workup: nasal swab, sputum culture and sensitivity, blood culture and sensitivity, urine culture and sensitivity
• COVID-19 evaluations—per institutional guidelines where relevant
Grading Management
G1: Asymptomatic; confined to one lobe of the
or <25% of lung parenchyma, clinical or diagnostic
diagnostic observations only
Hold ICI or proceed with closing monitoring
Monitor patients weekly with history and physical examination, pulse oximetry; may also offer chest imaging (CXR, CT) if uncertain diagnosis and/or to
and/or to follow progress
Repeat chest imaging in 3-4 weeks or sooner if patient becomes symptomatic
In patients who have had baseline testing, may offer a repeat spirometry or DLCO in 3-4 weeks
May resume ICI with radiographic evidence of improvement or resolution if held. If no improvement, should treat as G2
G2: Symptomatic; involves more than one lobe of
the lung or 25%-50% of lung parenchyma; medical
medical intervention indicated; limiting instrumental
instrumental ADL
Hold ICI until clinical improvements to ≤G1
Prednisone 1-2 mg/kg/d and taper over 4-6 weeks
Consider bronchoscopy with BAL ± transbronchial biopsy
Consider empiric antibiotics if infection remains in the differential diagnosis after workup
Monitor at least once per week with history and physical examination, pulse oximetry, consider radiologic imaging; if no clinical improvement after 48-72
improvement after 48-72 hours of prednisone, treat as grade 3
Pulmonary and infectious disease consults if necessary
G3: Severe symptoms; hospitalization required;
involves all lung lobes or >50% of lung
parenchyma; limiting self-care ADL; oxygen
indicated
Permanently discontinue ICI
Empiric antibiotics may be considered
Methylprednisone IV 1-2 mg/kg/d
If no improvement after 48 hours, may add immunosuppressive agent. Options include infliximab or mycophenolate mofetil IV or IVIG or
cyclophosphamide. Taper corticosteroids over 4-6 weeks
Pulmonary and infectious disease consults if necessary
May consider bronchoscopy with BAL ± transbronchial biopsy if patient can tolerate
G4: Life-threatening respiratory compromise;
intervention indicated (intubation)
42. Gastrointestinal IRAEs: Colitis
Brahmer et al, 2021; Trinh et al, 2019; Schneider et al, 2021; Geukes Foppen et al, 2018.
Diagnosis/evaluation:
Frequency: 8%-27% but can be as high as 54% with CTLA-4
inhibitors
Symptoms: diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, mucus
in stool
Rule out alternative etiology: infection
Labs for stool studies for Clostridium difficile,
cytomegalovirus, DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR),
stool ova and parasites, fecal calprotectin, fecal occult blood,
endoscopy
Management:
Close monitoring and dietary changes
Loperamide
Hold treatment for grade ≥2
Grade ≥3: corticosteroids, consider hospitalization; additional
immunosuppression may be needed
Consider referral to gastroenterology for grade ≥2
43. Gastrointestinal IRAEs: Colitis (cont.)
CBC = complete blood count; CMP = comprehensive metabolic panel; CMV = cytomegalovirus.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Colitis workup and evaluation
G2
• Workup of blood (CBC, CMP, and TSH) and stool (culture, C. diff, parasite, CMV, or other viral etiology, ova and parasite if appropriate) should be performed for the initial
for the initial presentation, and also considered for immunosuppressant refractory cases
• Consider testing for fecal lactoferrin (for patient stratification to determine who needs more urgent endoscopy) and calprotectin (to follow up on disease activity)
activity)
• Screening labs (HIV, hepatitis A and B, and tuberculous testing), repeated annually in patients who require biologic treatment, eg, infliximab or vedolizumab for >1 year
for >1 year until treatment is completed
• Consider reviewing concomitant medications that could alter the gut microbiome and their indications for prolonged use (eg, proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, and
antibiotics, and probiotics)
• Imaging, eg, CT scan of abdomen and pelvis for colitis-related symptoms (abdominal pain and bleeding) to rule out colitis-related complications, including typhlitis and
typhlitis and bowel perforation or abscess
• GI endoscopy or colonoscopy with biopsy for patients who have positive stool inflammatory markers or colitis-related symptoms should be considered as there is evidence
there is evidence showing the presence of ulceration in the colon can predict steroid refractory course, which may require early infliximab
• Repeat colonoscopy may be considered for cases G≥2 for disease activity monitoring to document complete remission, especially if there is a plan to resume ICI. Mucosal
ICI. Mucosal healing on repeat endoscopy and/or fecal calprotectin level ≤116 µg/g can be considered the treatment target to guide decisions on when to stop biologic
stop biologic treatment and when to resume ICI therapy
G3-4
• Complete all recommendations as above and consider inpatient care
Management
All patients
Counsel all patients to be aware of and inform their health care provider immediately if they experience abdominal pain, nausea, cramping, blood
cramping, blood or mucus in stool, or changes in bowel habits, fever, abdominal distention, or constipation
For G ≥2, consider permanently discontinuing CTLA-4 agents and may restart PD-1 or PD-L1 agents if patients recover to G≤1; concurrent
concurrent immunosuppressant maintenance therapy should be considered only if clinically indicated in individual cases
44. Gastrointestinal IRAEs: Colitis (cont.)
EGD = esophagogastroduodenoscopy; JAK = Janus kinase.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Grading Management
G1: Increase of <4 stools per
day over baseline; mild
increase in ostomy output
compared with baseline
Continue ICI. Alternatively, ICI may be held temporarily and resumed if toxicity does not exceed grade 1 or resolves
May also include supportive care with medications such as loperamide if infection has been ruled out in patients with diarrhea only and not colitis-related symptoms as a temporary measure
Monitor for dehydration and recommend dietary changes
Patient should be closely monitored by phone or electronic medical system for symptoms changes by clinical providers every 3 days or more frequently if needed until stabilized
May obtain gastroenterology consult for prolonged G1 cases and consider endoscopy with biopsies
G2: Increase of 4-6 stools per
day over baseline; moderate
moderate increase in ostomy
ostomy output compared with
with baseline
Hold ICI at least until recovery to G1—see last bullets
May also include supportive care with medications such as loperamide if infection has been ruled out in patients with diarrhea only and not colitis-related symptoms as a temporary measure
Consider consult with gastroenterology for ≥G2
Administer corticosteroids, unless diarrhea is transient, starting with initial dose of 1 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent until symptoms improve to G1, and then start taper over 4-6 weeks
Consider narrower-spectrum or more potent agents, including anti-tumor necrosis factor (infliximab) or anti-integrin (vedolizumab) antibody to patients whose colitis is corticosteroid-refractory (ie, no decrease
(ie, no decrease by one grade in 72 hours) or dependent or with high-risk endoscopic features on initial endoscopy examination
When symptoms improve to ≤G1, taper corticosteroids over 4-6 weeks; may consider shorter tapers in patients also treated with biologics
Endoscopic evaluation with EGD or colonoscopy is highly recommended for cases grade ≥2 to stratify patients for early treatment of biologics based on endoscopic findings
Resuming ICI after symptoms improve to ≤G1 may be considered when steroid taper is completed, risk and benefits reviewed if maintained on biologics, and/or if endoscopic and histologic remissions are
remissions are achieved. Fecal calprotectin ≤116 µg/g may be considered as a surrogate for endoscopic and histologic remission
Resuming PD-1/PD-L1 agent is associated with lower risk of flare-up; however, CTLA-4 inhibitor can still be considered in selected cases, such as in patients who have not yet responded or whose response
whose response is deemed inadequate
G3: Increase of ≥7 stools per
day over baseline;
incontinence; hospitalization
hospitalization indicated;
severe increase in ostomy
output compared with
baseline; and limiting self-
care ADL
Follow G2 recommendations as listed, with the following additions for G3:
Administer corticosteroids (initial dose of 1-2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until symptoms improve to G1, and then start taper over 4-6 weeks. Consider IV methylprednisolone, especially if concern for
especially if concern for concurrent upper GI inflammation
Consider early introduction of infliximab or vedolizumab in addition to steroids in patients with high-risk endoscopic features on initial endoscopy examination or inadequate response to steroids (persistent
steroids (persistent symptoms after 3 days)
Consider hospitalization for patients with dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
Consider repeat colonoscopy in patients who are immunosuppression-refractory
Should consider permanently discontinuing CTLA-4 agents
G4: Life-threatening
consequences; urgent
intervention indicated
Follow G2-3 recommendations as listed, with the following additions for G4:
Permanently discontinue treatment
Should provide inpatient care
Administer 1-2 mg/kg/day methylprednisolone or equivalent until symptoms improve to G1, and then start taper over 4-6 weeks
Consider early biologics (infliximab or vedolizumab) if inadequate response to steroids after 3 days. Consider lower GI endoscopy if symptoms refractory, despite treatment or there is concern of new
of new infections
Additional considerations
• May consider fecal microbiota transplant, JAK inhibitor tofacitinib, or IL-12–blocking antibody ustekinumab in patients who are refractory to the previous immunosuppressants
• Patients with both IRAE-related hepatitis and IRAE-related colitis are less common, and management may include permanently discontinuing ICI and offering other immunosuppressant agents (eg, prednisone and mycophenolate) that
mycophenolate) that works systemically for both conditions. Infliximab is contraindicated for hepatic IRAE
• Currently, enteritis and/or gastritis alone as the cause of GI toxicity is uncommon and endoscopy with biopsy is recommended as the evaluation tool. It may be managed similarly to colitis including steroid and/or biologics etc
biologics etc
45. Gastrointestinal IRAEs: Hepatitis
ANA = antinuclear antibody; ASMA = anti–smooth muscle antibodies; ANCA = antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody; GTT = gamma-glutamyl transferase;
ALKP = alkaline phosphatase; CK = creatine kinase.
Trinh et al, 2019; Puzanov et al, 2017; Schneider et al, 2021; Brahmer et al, 2021.
Diagnosis/evaluation:
Frequency: 2%-10%; in combination with ICI+ICI, can be up to 25%-30% for all grades
Symptoms: diagnosed with increase in serum liver function test (LFT), alanine
transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)
Rule out alternative etiology: rule out viral causes, hepatoxic medications and hepatic
dysfunction that is drug related, progression of the liver
Labs for viral hepatitis, alcohol history, imaging and blood work to rule liver metastasis,
ANA/ASMA/ANCA, GTT (if ALKP alone elevated), CK (for isolated transaminases)
Management:
Hold treatment/discontinue for grade ≥2
Start corticosteroids
If no improvement in 2 days, consider alternative immunosuppression, mycophenolate
Consider referral to hepatology for grade ≥2
46. Gastrointestinal IRAEs: Hepatitis (cont.)
ULN = upper limit of normal; NASH = nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Hepatitis
Workup and evaluation
• Monitor patient for abnormal blood tests: AST, ALT, and bilirubin before each infusion and/or consider weekly if grade 1 LFT elevations. No treatment is recommended for grade 1 LFT abnormality
• Review medications and supplements that may cause hepatotoxicity and rule out abnormal liver enzymes from development or progression of liver metastases
• Liver biopsy should be considered if the patient is steroid-refractory or if concern for other differential diagnoses that would alter medical management
• For grade ≥2: workup for other causes of elevated liver enzymes (eg, viral hepatitis, alcohol history, iron studies, thromboembolic event, or potential liver metastasis from primary malignancy) by doing blood work and imaging
and imaging (ultrasound and cross-sectional imaging). If suspicion for primary autoimmune hepatitis is high, can consider ANA/ASMA/ANCA. If patients with elevated ALKP alone, GGT should be tested. For isolated elevation of
isolated elevation of transaminases, consider checking CK for other etiologies
Grading Management
G1: Asymptomatic (AST or ALT >ULN
3.0x ULN and/or total bilirubin >ULN
>ULN to 1.5x ULN)
Continue ICI with close monitoring; consider alternate etiologies
Consider monitoring labs 1-2 times weekly
Manage with supportive care for symptom control
G2: Asymptomatic (AST or ALT >3.0
≤5x ULN and/or total bilirubin >1.5 to
to ≤3x ULN)
Hold ICI temporarily
Patients should be advised to stop unnecessary medications and any known hepatotoxic drugs. Temporarily hold other potentially hepatotoxic oncologic agents
For G2 hepatic toxicity, may administer steroid (0.5-1 mg/kg/day prednisone) or equivalent if no improvement is seen after 3-5 days
Increase frequency of monitoring to every 3 days
If inadequate improvement after 3 days, consider adding mycophenolate mofetil
May initiate steroid taper when symptoms improve to ≤G1 and may resume ICI treatment when steroid ≤10 mg/day. Taper over at least 1 month
G3: AST or ALT 5-20x ULN and/or
bilirubin 3-10x ULN, or symptomatic
symptomatic liver dysfunction; fibrosis
fibrosis by biopsy; compensated
cirrhosis; and reactivation of chronic
chronic hepatitis
Follow G2 recommendations as listed, with the following additions for G3: Consider permanently discontinuing ICI if asymptomatic; permanently discontinue if symptomatic
Immediately start steroid 1-2 mg/kg methylprednisolone or equivalents. If steroid refractory, consider liver biopsy to rule out NASH, tumor, cholestatic variants, other drug-related hepatic
related hepatic inflammation, infection, or other autoimmune entity and consider adding azathioprine or mycophenolate if infectious cause is ruled out
Labs daily or every other day; consider inpatient monitoring for patients with AST/ALT > 8x ULN and/or elevated total bilirubin 3x >ULN
If no improvement is achieved with steroid for patients on ICI therapy combined with novel agents, with chemotherapy, or with targeted therapy, refer to hepatologist for further pathologic
pathologic evaluation of hepatitis
Steroid taper can be attempted around 4-6 weeks when ≤ G1, re-escalate if needed, optimal duration unclear
Consider transfer to tertiary care facility if necessary
G4: AST or ALT >20x ULN and/or
bilirubin >10x ULN or decompensated
decompensated liver function (eg,
ascites, coagulopathy,
encephalopathy, and coma)
Follow G3 recommendations as listed, with the following additions for G4: Administer 2 mg/kg/d methylprednisone equivalents
Additional considerations:
Infliximab is contraindicated for immune-related hepatitis
47. Dermatologic IRAEs: Rash/Pruritus/Dermatitis
Trinh et al, 2019; Puzanov et al, 2017; Schneider et al, 2021; Brahmer et al, 2021.
Diagnosis/evaluation:
Frequency: reported up to 71.5%
Symptoms: pruritis, maculopapular rash, atopic dermatitis, eczema, acneiform,
lichenoid rash
Rule out alternative etiology: infection, adverse effect of another drug or unrelated
primary skin disorder
Labs to include blood count, complete metabolic panel, consider skin biopsy, consider
follow-up with serial clinical photography
Management:
Starting topical steroids, rich emollients
May considering holding and starting oral corticosteroids depending on grade
Referral to dermatology for grade 4
48. Dermatologic IRAEs
Schneider et al, 2021.
Rash or Inflammatory Dermatitis
Workup and evaluation
• Pertinent history and physical examination including examination of the oral mucosa, assessment for blister formation, and assessment of BSA involved
• Review full list of patient medications to rule out other drug-induced cause of photosensitivity
• Rule out any other etiology of the skin problem, such as an infection, an effect of another drug, including prior or other recent cancer therapies, or a skin condition linked to another systemic disease or
systemic disease or unrelated primary skin disorder
• Recent or new complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel (if needed for skin differential diagnosis)
• Consider referral to dermatologist if autoimmune skin disease is suspected
• Consider skin biopsy
• Consider clinical monitoring with use of serial clinical photography
Grading Management
G1: Rash covering <10% BSA, which may or may not be
associated with symptoms of pruritis or tenderness
Continue ICI
Treat with topical emollients and/or mild-moderate potency topical corticosteroids
Counsel patients to avoid skin irritants
G2: Rash covering 10%-30% BSA with or without
(eg, pruritis, burning, and tightness); limiting instrumental
instrumental ADL; rash covering >30% BSA with or
without mild symptoms
Consider holding ICI and monitor weekly for improvement. If skin toxicity is not improved after 4 weeks, then regrade toxicity as G3
In addition, treat with topical emollients, oral antihistamines, and medium-to-high potency topical corticosteroids
Consider initiating prednisone (or equivalent) at dosing 0.5-1 mg/kg, tapering over 4 weeks. In patients with pruritus without rash, consider topical
consider topical anti-itch remedies (eg, refrigerated menthol and pramoxine)
G3: Rash covering >30% BSA with moderate or severe
symptoms; limiting self-care ADL
Hold ICI therapy and consult with dermatology to determine appropriateness of resuming
Treat with topical emollients, oral antihistamines, and high-potency topical corticosteroids. May also consider phototherapy to treat severe pruritus
severe pruritus
Initiate oral prednisone or equivalent (1 mg/kg/d) tapering over at least 4 weeks
Once downgraded to ≤G1 and prednisone (or equivalent) below 10 mg/d, clinicians may consider resuming ICI therapy with close monitoring and
monitoring and follow-up with dermatology in certain cases such as psoriasis
In patients with pruritus without rash, may treat with gabapentin, pregabalin, aprepitant, or dupilumab
G4: Severe consequences requiring hospitalization or
intervention indicated or life-threatening consequences
consequences
Immediately hold ICI
May admit patient immediately with direct oncology involvement and with an urgent consult by dermatology
Systemic steroids: IV methylprednisolone (or equivalent) dosed at 1-2 mg/kg with slow tapering when the toxicity resolves
Monitor closely for progression to severe cutaneous adverse reaction (SCAR)
Consider alternative antineoplastic therapy over resuming ICIs if the skin IRAE does not resolve to ≤G1. If ICIs are the patients only option,
option, consider restarting once these side effects have resolved to a G1 level with close dermatology follow-up
49. Musculoskeletal IRAEs: Arthralgia / Myalgia
RF = rheumatoid factor; CCP = citrullinated protein antibody; ESR = erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
Trinh et al, 2019; Puzanov et al, 2017; Schneider et al, 2021; Brahmer et al, 2021.
Diagnosis/evaluation:
Frequency: reported up to 40%
Symptoms: arthralgia, myalgia, large joint reactive arthritis, polyarthritis
Rule out alternative etiology: degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, gout,
pseudogout, septic arthritis, rotator cuff tendinitis,
Labs to consider ANA, RF, anti-CCP, ESR, CRP, X-ray or MRI imaging of
affected joint
Management:
Initiate acetaminophen ± NSAIDS for analgesia
May considering holding and starting oral corticosteroids depending on grade
Referral to Rheumatology for grade >2
50. Musculoskeletal IRAEs
Schneider et al, 2021.
Inflammatory Arthritis
Workup and evaluation
G1
• Complete rheumatologic history and examination of all peripheral joints for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion. Examination of the spine
• Consider plain X-ray or imaging to exclude metastases and evaluate joint damage (erosions) if appropriate
• Consider autoimmune panel including ANA, RF, anti-CCP, and inflammatory markers (ESR and CRP) if symptoms persist. If symptoms are suggestive of reactive
reactive arthritis or affect the spine, consider HLA B27 testing
G2
• Complete history and examination as above; laboratory tests as above
• Consider ultrasound ± MRI imaging of affected joints if clinically indicated (eg, persistent arthritis unresponsive to treatment, and suspicion for differential diagnoses
diagnoses such as metastatic lesions or septic arthritis). Consider arthrocentesis if septic arthritis or crystal-induced arthritis is suspected
• Consider early referral to a rheumatologist, if there is joint swelling (synovitis) or if symptoms persist >4 weeks
G3
• As for grade 2
• Seek rheumatologist advice and review
• Test for viral hepatitis B, C, and latent or active tuberculous test before disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment. Repeated screening labs annually in
annually in patients who require biologic treatment for >1 year until treatment is completed
Monitoring
Patients with inflammatory arthritis should be monitored with serial rheumatologic examinations, including inflammatory markers, every 4-6 weeks after treatment is instituted
treatment is instituted
Additional considerations
Early recognition is critical to avoid erosive joint
damage
Corticosteroids can be used as part of initial therapy
therapy in inflammatory arthritis, but because of likely
likely prolonged treatment requirements, physicians
physicians should consider starting steroid-sparing
sparing agents earlier than one would with other
IRAEs
Oligoarthritis can be treated early on with intra-
articular steroids, consider early referral
Grading Management
All grades Clinicians should follow reports of new joint pain to determine if IA is present. Question whether symptoms are new since receiving ICI
G1: Mild pain with inflammation, erythema,
or joint swelling
Continue ICI; initiate analgesia with acetaminophen and/or NSAIDs
G2: Moderate pain associated with signs
inflammation, erythema, or joint swelling;
swelling; limiting instrumental ADL
Consider holding ICI; escalate analgesia and consider higher doses of NSAIDs as needed
If inadequately controlled, initiate prednisone 10-20 mg/d or equivalent
If improvement, slow taper according to response during the next 4-6 weeks, if no improvement after initial 4 weeks treat as G3
If unable to lower corticosteroid dose to below 10 mg/d after 6-8 weeks, consider DMARD
Consider inter-articular steroid injections for large joints
Referral to rheumatology
G3-4: Severe pain associated with signs of
inflammation, erythema, or joint swelling;
swelling; irreversible joint damage;
disabling; and limiting self-care ADL
Hold ICI temporarily and may resume in consultation with rheumatology, if recover to ≤G1
Initiate oral prednisone 0.5-1 mg/kg
If failure of improvement after 2 weeks or worsening in meantime, consider synthetic or biologic DMARD
• Synthetic: methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine alone or in combination
• Biologic: consider anticytokine therapy such as TNF⍺ or IL-6 antagonists.
Referral to rheumatology
52. Endocrine IRAEs: Diabetes
DM = diabetes mellitus; PCP = primary care physician.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Diabetes
Workup and evaluation
• Monitor patients for symptoms of new or worsening diabetes mellitus (polyuria, polydipsia, and fatigue)
• Monitor glucose at baseline and with each treatment cycle while on therapy and at follow-up visits for at least 6 months
• Laboratory evaluation in suspected checkpoint inhibitor–associated diabetes mellitus (CIADM) should include:
o Urine and/or serum ketones
o Anion gap on a metabolic panel
o Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) or anti-islet cell antibodies
o C-peptide levels
Grade Management
G1: Asymptomatic or mild symptoms; type 2 DM with fasting glucose value >ULN to
mg/dL (>ULN to 8.9 mmol/L). No evidence of CIADM such as ketoacidosis or
laboratory evidence of pancreatic autoimmunity
Can continue ICI with close clinical follow-up and laboratory evaluation
Refer to PCP for additional management or:
• May initiate oral therapy for those with new-onset type 2 DM
• Intensify medical therapy for those with worsening type 2 DM
G2: Moderate symptoms, able to perform ADL; type 2 DM with fasting glucose value
>150-250 mg/dL (>8.9 to 13.9 mmol/L). No ketoacidosis or metabolic derangements
derangements but other evidence of CIADM at any glucose level
May hold ICI until glucose control is obtained
Urgent endocrine consultation for any patient with new-onset CIADM
Initiate insulin for CIADM (or as default therapy if there is any questions about the diagnosis)
Referral to ED or hospital admission if unable to initiate therapy, urgent outpatient specialist evaluation is not available, developing ketoacidosis, or other
ketoacidosis, or other concern for CIADM
G3-4: Severe symptoms, medically significant or life-threatening consequences,
to perform ADL; G3: >250-500 mg/dL (>13.9 to 27.8 mmol/L);
G4: >500 mg/dL (>27.8 mmol/L). Ketoacidosis or other metabolic abnormality
Hold ICI until glucose control is obtained with reduction of toxicity to ≤G1
Admit for inpatient management of diabetic ketoacidosis, volume and electrolyte resuscitation, and insulin initiation
Endocrine consultation for all patients
Insulin therapy appropriate for all patients
Additional considerations
• Insulin therapy should be used in any case with significant hyperglycemia pending additional diagnostic workup if mechanism of DM is not known
• Long-acting insulin therapy alone is not sufficient for CIADM because of the absence of pancreatic function after beta-cell destruction
• Starting total daily requirement can be estimated at 0.3-0.4 units/kg/day
• Half of daily requirements are typically given in divided doses as prandial coverage, while half should be administered as once-daily long-acting homolog. This requires self-monitoring 4 or more times daily or the use of continuous glucose
continuous glucose monitor
• Sliding scale insulin can be used in conjunction with multiple daily injection regimens to accommodate the variability in glucose levels
• Decreased requirements after the initial acute admission for diabetic ketoacidosis are commonly seen in the so-called honeymoon period
• Education is critical to learn skills like responding to hypoglycemia, anticipating exercise, monitoring for diabetic ketoacidosis, or carbohydrate counting, and to transition to technologies such as insulin pumps. Early endocrinology
endocrinology consultation is a high priority for all patients
• Type 2 DM patients will need to increase the frequency of self-monitoring as therapy intensifies and agents that can cause hypoglycemia are added to their regimen
• Steroids can exacerbate postprandial hyperglycemia, and endocrinology consult should be considered for initiating or managing insulin in patients with Type 2 DM being started on high-dose steroids. If insulin is used, the doses generally
doses generally needs to be adjusted again as steroids are tapered down
53. Endocrine IRAEs: Adrenal
NA = sodium; K = potassium.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Adrenal–Primary Adrenal insufficiency (AI)
Workup and evaluation
• Evaluate am levels of ACTH (if >2x ULN) and cortisol level (if <3 µg/dL)
• Basic metabolic panel (Na K, CO2, and glucose)
• Renin and aldosterone
• Consider standard dose ACTH stimulation test for indeterminate results (am cortisol >3 µg/dL and <15 µg/dL)
• Evaluate for precipitating cause of crisis such as infection
• Adrenal CT for metastasis or hemorrhage (most common causes of primary AI)
Grading Management
All grades
Referral to endocrinology
Education on steroid stress dosing, emergency injections, and medical alert bracelet or necklace, accessory, or system
G1: Asymptomatic or mild
symptoms
Consider holding ICI until patient is stabilized or replacement hormone
Endocrine consultation
Initiate replacement therapy with hydrocortisone (15-20 mg in divided doses)
Titrate hydrocortisone to maximum of 30 mg daily total dose for residual symptoms of AI
Reduce maintenance dosing for symptoms of iatrogenic Cushings’ syndrome (eg, bruising, thin skin, edema, weight gain, hypertension, and hyperglycemia)
Most primary AI will also require fludrocortisone (starting dose 0.5-1 mg/d). Adjust based on volume status, sodium level, and renin response (target upper half of the reference range)
G2: Moderate symptoms,
able to perform ADL
Consider holding ICI until patient is stabilized on replacement hormone
Endocrine consultation
See in clinic to assess need for hydration, supportive care, and hospitalization
Initiate outpatient corticosteroid treatment at 2-3 times maintenance (eg, hydrocortisone 30-50 mg total dose or prednisone 20 mg daily) to manage acute symptoms
Initiate fludrocortisone (0.5-1 mg/day)
Decrease stress dose corticosteroids down to maintenance doses after 2 days
Maintenance therapy as in G1
G3-4: Severe symptoms,
medically significant or life-
life-threatening
consequences, unable to
perform ADL
Hold ICI until patient is stabilized on replacement hormone
Endocrine consultation
Inpatient management may be needed to provide:
• Normal saline (at least 2L)
• IV stress dose steroids: hydrocortisone 50-100 mg Q 6-8 hours initial dosing
Taper stress dose corticosteroids down to oral maintenance doses over 5-7 days
Maintenance therapy as in G1
Additional considerations
• Primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency can be distinguished by the relationship between ACTH and cortisol. If the ACTH is low with low cortisol, then management is as per hypophysitis for secondary (central) adrenal insufficiency
• Using hydrocortisone allows for recreation of the diurnal rhythm of cortisol. Typically, 2/3 of the dose is given in the morning and 1/3 in the early afternoon. Long-acting steroids such as prednisone, rather than short-acting hydrocortisone, carry risk of over
hydrocortisone, carry risk of over replacement but can be used in special circumstances, for example, if a patient is not able to adhere to a short-acting steroid regimen. Hydrocortisone 20 mg is equivalent to prednisone 5 mg
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement is controversial but deficiency can be tested and replacement considered in women with low libido and/or energy who are judged to be otherwise well replaced
• All patients need education on stress dosing for sick days, use of emergency injectables, when to seek medical attention for impending adrenal crisis, and a medical alert bracelet or necklace for adrenal insufficiency to trigger stress dose corticosteroids
corticosteroids by emergency medical personnel. Therefore, early endocrinology consultation is appropriate
• Endocrine consultation should be part of planning before surgery or high-stress treatments such as cytotoxic chemotherapy at any time during a patient’s care
54. Renal IRAEs
hpf = high power field.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Renal Toxicities
Nephritis and renal dysfunction—diagnosis and monitoring
Clinical presentation and diagnosis
• Definite ICI-related nephritis or acute kidney injury
• Kidney biopsy-confirmed diagnosis compatible with ICI nephritis or acute kidney injury, and after clinical review of risk factors
• Probably ICI-related nephritis or acute renal failure:
o BOTH of the following:
Sustained increase in serum creatinine ≥50% on at least two consecutive values or need for renal replacement therapy, after clinical review of risk factors
risk factors
Absence of an alternative plausible etiology
o AND at least 1 of the following:
Sterile pyuria (≥5 WBCs/hpf)
Concomitant or recent extrarenal IRAE-eosinophilia (≥500 cells per µL)
• Possible ICI-related nephritis or acute renal failure:
o BOTH of the following:
Increase in serum creatinine ≥50%
Need for renal replacement therapy nephritis or acute kidney injury is not readily attributable to alternative causes
Monitoring
• Monitor patients for elevated serum creatinine before every dose
• Routine urinalysis is not necessary, other than to rule out urinary tract infections, etc
• For any suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, exclude other causes (see below)
• For suspected renal IRAE obtain urinalysis, consider referral to nephrology
• For patients receiving combination therapy with ICIs and other agents, assess the potential contribution of the non-ICI treatment to the renal failure
• Assess for concomitant medications, prescribed and over the counter, herbals, vitamins, nephrotoxic agents, or contrast media
• If no potential alternative cause of acute kidney injury is identified, then one can assume it is ICI-related and should forego biopsy
• Swift treatment of autoimmune-component is important
55. Renal IRAEs: Nephritis or Acute Kidney Injury
Schneider et al, 2021.
Grading Management
G1: Creatinine level increase of >0.3
mg/dL; creatinine 1.5–2.0x above
baseline
Consider temporarily holding ICI and/or other potential contributing agents in combination regimens, pending consideration of
consideration of potential alternative etiologies (recent IV contrast, medications, fluid status, and urinary tract infection) and
infection) and baseline renal function. A change that is still <1.5 ULN could be meaningful
G2: Creatinine 2–3x above baseline
Hold ICI temporarily
Consult nephrology
Evaluate for other causes (recent IV contrast, medications, and fluid status) if other etiologies are ruled out, administer 0.5–1
administer 0.5–1 mg/kg/day prednisone equivalents
If worsening or no improvement after 1 week, increase to 1–2 mg/kg/day prednisone equivalents and permanently
discontinue ICI
If improved to G ≥1, taper steroids over at least 4 weeks
If no recurrence of chronic renal insufficiency discuss resumption of ICI with patient after taking into account the risks and
risks and benefits. Resumption of ICI can be considered once steroids have been successfully tapered to ≤10 mg/day or
mg/day or discontinued
G3: Creatinine >3x baseline or >4.0
mg/dL; hospitalization indicated Permanently discontinue ICI if ICI is directly implicated in renal toxicity
Consult nephrology
Evaluate for other causes (recent IV contrast, medications, fluid status, and urinary tract infection)
Administer corticosteroids (initial dose of 1–2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent)
G4: Life-threatening consequences;
dialysis indicated; creatinine 6x above
above baseline
Additional considerations
• Monitor creatinine weekly
• Reflex kidney biopsy should be discouraged until steroid treatment has been attempted
56. Nephritis or Acute Kidney Injury: Follow-Up
Schneider et al, 2021.
Renal IRAEs
Grading Management
G1: Creatinine level increase of >0.3
mg/dL; creatinine 1.5–2.0x above
baseline
If improved to baseline: resume routine creatinine monitoring
G2: Creatinine 2–3x above baseline
If improved to G1: taper corticosteroids over at least 4 weeks before resuming treatment with routine
routine creatinine monitoring
If elevations persist >7 days or worsen and no other cause found, treat as G3
G3: Creatinine >3x baseline or >4.0
mg/dL; hospitalization indicated
If improved to G1: taper corticosteroids over at least 4 weeks
If elevations persist >3–5 days or worsen, consider additional immunosuppression (eg, infliximab,
azathioprine, cyclophosphamide [monthly], cyclosporine, and mycophenolate)
G4: Life-threatening consequences;
dialysis indicated; creatinine 6x above
above baseline
If improved to G1: taper corticosteroids at least 4 weeks
If elevations persist >2–3 days or worsen, consider additional immunosuppression (eg, infliximab,
azathioprine, cyclophosphamide [monthly], cyclosporine, and mycophenolate)
57. Neurologic IRAEs: Myasthenia Gravis
AChR = acetylcholine receptor; MuSK = muscle-specific kinase; LPR4 = lipoprotein-related 4; MGFA = Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America; PO = by mouth.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Myasthenia Gravis
Workup and evaluation
• AChR and antistriated muscle antibodies in blood If AChR antibodies are negative, consider MuSK and LPR4 antibodies in blood—while presence of antibodies is confirmatory, the absence of antibodies
of antibodies does not rule out the syndrome
• Pulmonary function assessment with negative inspiratory force (NIF) and vital capacity (VC)
• Creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aldolase, ESR, and CRP for possible concurrent myositis
• Consider MRI brain and/or spine depending on symptoms to rule out central nervous system (CNS) involvement by disease or alternate diagnosis
• Troponin, ECG, and consider transthoracic echocardiogram and/or cardiac MRI to evaluate concomitant myocarditis
• Electrodiagnosis studies, under neurologic consultation, including neuromuscular junction testing with repetitive stimulation and/or jitter studies, nerve conduction study (NCS) to exclude neuropathy, and
neuropathy, and needle electromyography (EMG) to evaluate for concomitant myositis
• Inflammatory markers (ESR and CRP)
• Consider paraneoplastic workup
• Review and stop medications with known risk of worsening myasthenia: beta-blockers, IV magnesium, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and macrolide antibiotics
Grading Management
All grades
All grades warrant workup and intervention given potential for progressive myasthenia gravis to lead to respiratory compromise. Inpatient admission may be
may be appropriate at all grades
No G1 NA
G2: Some symptoms interfering with
ADLs. MGFA severity class I (ocular
symptoms and findings only) and
MGFA severity class II (mild
generalized weakness)
Hold ICI and may resume in G2 patients (MGFA 1 and 2) only if symptoms resolve and steroid taper completed
Neurology consultation
Strongly consider inpatient care as patients can deteriorate quickly
Pyridostigmine starting at 30 mg PO 3x a day and gradually increase to maximum of 120 mg PO 4x a day as tolerated and based on symptoms and wean based on
wean based on improvement. These procedures should be done in close collaboration with the neurologist
Administer corticosteroids (prednisone 0.5 mg/kg orally daily). Wean based on symptom improvement
G3-4: Limiting self-care and aids
warranted, weakness limiting walking,
walking, ANY dysphagia, facial
weakness, respiratory muscle
weakness, or rapidly progressive
symptoms or MGFA severity class III-V
III-V (moderate to severe generalized
generalized weakness to myasthenic
crisis
Follow G2 recommendations as listed, with the following additions for G3-4:
Permanently discontinue ICI
Admit patient, may need intensive care unit (ICU) level monitoring
Continue steroids, taper should begin 3-4 weeks after initiation then wean based on symptom improvement
Initiate IVIG 2 G/kg IV over 5 days (0.4 G/kg/day) or plasmapheresis x 5 days
Consider adding rituximab if refractory to IVIG or plasmapheresis
Frequent pulmonary function assessment
Daily neurologic review
58. Neurologic IRAEs: Guillain-Barré Syndrome
CSF = cerebrospinal; NCS = nerve conduction study; NIF = negative inspiratory force; VC = vital capacity; ICU = intensive care unit. ANNA-1 = antineuronal nuclear antibody type 1.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Workup and evaluation
• Neurologic consultation
• MRI spine with or without contrast (rule out compressive lesion and evaluate for nerve root enhancement/thickening)
• Lumbar puncture: CSF analysis for cell count and differential, cytology for malignant cells, protein, glucose, and viral/bacterial cultures. Note that CSF typically has elevated protein and
protein and often elevated WBC as well, although this not typically seen in classical Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
• Consider paraneoplastic workup eg ANNA-1 antibody testing
• Serum antiganglioside antibody tests for GBS and its subtypes (eg, anti-GQ1b for Miller Fisher variant associated with ataxia and ophthalmoplegia)
• Flow cytometry in patients with hematologic malignancies
• Electrodiagnostic studies (NCS and EMG) to evaluate polyneuropathy
• Pulmonary function (NIF or VC)
• Frequent neuro checks
Grading Management
All grades warrant workup and intervention given potential for progressive GBS to lead to respiratory compromise. Note, there is no G1 toxicity
G2: Moderate: some interference
with ADLs, symptoms concerning
concerning to patient
Discontinue ICI
Neurology consultation
Admission to inpatient unit with capability of rapid transfer to ICU-level monitoring
Start IVIG (0.4 G/kg/day for 5 days for a total dose of 2 G/kg) or plasmapheresis. Note: plasmapheresis immediately after IVIG will remove
immunoglobulin
Corticosteroids are usually not recommended for idiopathic GBS; however, in ICI-related forms, a trial is reasonable (methylprednisolone 16 mg/kg/d),
mg/kg/d), followed by slow steroid taper. Pulse steroid dosing (methylprednisolone 1 g daily for 5 days) may also be considered for G3-4 along with
along with IVIG or plasmapheresis. After pulse steroids, taper steroids over 4-6 weeks
Frequent neuro checks and pulmonary function monitoring
Monitor for concurrent autonomic dysfunction
Nonopioid management of neuropathic pain, for example, pregabalin, gabapentin, or duloxetine
Treatment of constipation/ileus
G3-4: Severe: limiting self-care
and aids warranted, weakness
limiting walking, ANY dysphagia,
dysphagia, facial weakness,
respiratory muscle weakness, or
or rapidly progressive symptoms
Additional considerations
• Extreme caution with rechallenging for severe cases after complete resolution of symptoms and tapered off immunosuppression
59. Neurologic IRAEs: Peripheral Neuropathy
HbA1c = hemoglobin A1c; RNP = ribonucleoprotein; dsDNA = double stranded DNA; ab = antibody; MAG = myelin-associated glycoprotein.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Workup and evaluation
G1
• Consider neurology consultation to guide neuropathy phenotype determination and workup
• Serum testing for reversible neuropathy causes: HbA1c, vitamin B12, TSH, vitamin B6, folate, serum protein electrophoresis, and immunofixation, CPK
• Consider additional testing guided by neuropathy phenotype: ANA, ESR, CRP, ANCA, anti-smooth muscle, Sjögren’s syndrome A/Sjögren’s syndrome B, RNP, anti-
anti-dsDNA, ganglioside ab, anti-MAG, anti-Hu (ANNA-1 ab), thiamine, Lyme, hepatitis B or C, and HIV
• Consider MRI spine with or without contrast
G2: In addition to the above
• MRI spine advised, MRI brain if cranial nerve involvement, and MRI plexus if concern for plexus involvement
• Consider lumbar puncture: CSF analysis for cell count and differential, cytology for malignant cells, protein, glucose, and viral or bacterial cultures
• Consider EMG or NCS
G3-4: go to GBS algorithm
Grading Management
G1: Mild: no interference with function and symptoms not concerning
patient. Note: any cranial nerve problem should be managed as
moderate
Low threshold to hold ICI and monitor symptoms for a week. If to continue, monitor very closely for
closely for any symptom progression
G2: Moderate: some interference with ADLs, symptoms concerning to
patient (ie, pain but not weakness or gait limitation)
Hold ICI and resume once return to ≤G1
Initial observation OR initiate prednisone 0.5–1 mg/kg/day (if progressing from mild)
Gabapentin, pregabalin, or duloxetine for pain
G3-4: Severe: limiting self-care and aids warranted, weakness limiting
walking or respiratory problems (ie, leg weakness, foot drop, and
rapidly ascending sensory changes). Severe may be GBS and should
should be managed as such
Permanently discontinue ICI
Admit patient
Neurology consultation
Initiate IV methylprednisolone 2–4 mg/kg/day and proceed as per GBS management
60. Neurologic IRAEs: Autonomic Neuropathy
Schneider et al, 2021.
Autonomic Neuropathy
Workup and evaluation
• An evaluation by neurologist or relevant specialist depending on organ system, with testing that may include:
o Screen for other causes of autonomic dysfunction: diabetic screen, adrenal insufficiency, HIV, paraproteinemia, amyloidosis, and
amyloidosis, and botulism; consider chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s and other autoimmune screen
o Orthostatic vital signs
o Consider electrodiagnostic studies (NCS and EMG) to evaluate for concurrent polyneuropathy
o Consider paraneoplastic autoimmune dysautonomia antibody testing (eg, antiganglionic AChR, ANNA-1, and N-type voltage-
voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies)
Grading Management
G1: Mild: no interference with function and symptoms
not concerning to patient
Low threshold to hold ICI and monitor symptoms for a week. If to continue,
continue, monitor very closely for any symptom progression
G2: Moderate: some interference with ADLs,
concerning to patient
Hold ICI and resume once return to ≤G1 and off prednisone if used
Initial observation OR initiate prednisone 0.5–1 mg/kg/day (if progressing from
from mild)
Neurology consultation
G3-4: Severe: limiting self-care and aids warranted
Permanently discontinue ICI
Admit patient
Initiate methylprednisolone 1 g daily x 3 days followed by oral steroid taper
taper
Neurology consultation
61. Neurologic IRAEs: Aseptic Meningitis
HSV = herpes simplex virus.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Aseptic Meningitis
Workup and evaluation
• MRI brain with or without contrast with pituitary or sellar cuts protocol
• Am cortisol, ACTH to rule out adrenal insufficiency
• Strongly consider lumbar puncture with CSF analysis for opening pressure, cell count and differential, cytology for malignant cells that could
could indicate leptomeningeal metastases, protein, glucose, gram stain, viral or bacterial cultures, PCR for HSV, and other viral PCRs depending
depending on suspicion
• May see elevated WBC in CSF with normal glucose, normal culture, and gram stain. May see reactive lymphocytes, neutrophils, or histiocytes on
histiocytes on cytology
Grading Management
G1: Mild: no interference with function and symptoms not
concerning to patient. Note: any cranial nerve problem
problem should be managed as moderate
Hold ICI and discuss resumption with patient only after taking into account the risks and
risks and benefits
Consider neurology consult
Consider empiric antiviral (IV acyclovir) and antibacterial therapy until CSF results
results
Once bacterial and viral infection negative, may closely monitor off corticosteroids or
corticosteroids or consider oral prednisone 0.5–1 mg/kg/day or IV methylprednisolone 1
methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg/day if moderate or severe symptoms
Steroids can be tapered after 2-4 weeks, monitoring for symptom recurrence
Consider hospitalization for G3-4
G2: Moderate: some interference with ADLs, symptoms
concerning to patient (ie, pain but no weakness or gait
gait limitation)
G3-4: Severe: limiting self-care and aids warranted
62. Neurologic IRAEs: Encephalitis
FLAIR = fluid-attenuated inversion recovery; EEG = electroencephalogram; TPO = thyroid peroxidase.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Encephalitis
Workup and evaluation
• Neurologic consultation
• MRI brain with or without contrast may reveal T2/FLAIR changes typical of what is seen in autoimmune encephalopathies or limbic encephalitis or may be normal
normal
• Lumbar puncture with CSF analysis for opening pressure, cell count and differential, cytology for malignant cells that could indicate leptomeningeal metastases, protein,
metastases, protein, glucose, gram stain, viral or bacterial cultures, PCR for HSV and other viral PCRs depending on suspicion, oligoclonal bands, autoimmune
autoimmune encephalopathy, and paraneoplastic panels
• May see elevated WBC with lymphocytic predominance and/or elevated protein
• EEG to evaluate for subclinical seizures
• Serum studies: chem panel, CBC, ESR, CRP, ANCA (if suspect vasculitic process), thyroid panel including TPO and thyroglobulin, am cortisol and ACTH, GQ1b
antibodies (Bickerstaff encephalitis and rhombencephalitis), celiac antibody panel, and paraneoplastic and autoimmune encephalitis panels
• Rule out concurrent anemia/thrombocytopenia, which can present with severe headaches and confusion
Grading Management
G1: Mild: no interference with function and symptoms
not concerning to patient. Note: any cranial nerve
problem should be managed as moderate
Hold ICI and discuss resumption with patient only after taking into account the risks and benefits
As above for aseptic meningitis suggest concurrent IV acyclovir until PCR results obtained and negative
Trial of methylprednisolone 1–2 mg/kg/day
Neurology consultation
If severe or progressing symptoms or oligoclonal bands present, consider pulse corticosteroids (methylprednisolone
(methylprednisolone 1 g IV daily for 3-5 days) plus IVIG 2 g/kg over 5 days (0.4 g/kg/day) or plasmapheresis
plasmapheresis
Taper steroids following acute management at least 4-6 weeks
If positive for autoimmune encephalopathy or paraneoplastic antibody or limited or no improvement, consider
consider rituximab in consultation
Admit patient for G3-4
G2: Moderate: some interference with ADLs,
concerning to patient (ie, pain but no weakness or gait
gait limitation)
G3-4: Severe: limiting self-care and aids warranted
63. Neurologic IRAEs: Demyelinating Diseases
Schneider et al, 2021.
Demyelinating Diseases, Including Multiple Sclerosis, Transverse Myelitis, Acute-Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, Optic Neuritis, and Neuromyelitis Optica
Workup and evaluation
• Neurologic consultation
• Ophthalmic or neuro-ophthalmic evaluation if ocular involvement
• MRI with contrast of brain, orbit, cervical, and thoracic spinal cord (tailor to examination finding)
• Lumbar puncture with CSF analysis including autoimmune encephalitis panel and oligoclonal bands, CNS demyelinating disease antibodies (aquaporin 4 and myelin oligodendrocyte
oligodendrocyte glycoprotein), and viral PCRs especially John Cunningham virus PCR to exclude progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
• Serum studies: B12, HIV, rapid plasma regain (RPR), ANA, Ro/La, TSH, aquaporin-4 IgG, paraneoplastic panel or anti-HU and anti–CRMP5-CV2, thyroid panel including TPO and
and thyroglobulin, am cortisol and ACTH, and paraneoplastic autoimmune encephalitis panels
• Evaluation for urinary retention and constipation
• EEG to evaluate for subclinical seizures
• Although less common, biopsy may provide definitive evidence of CNS demyelination
Grading Management
G1: Asymptomatic or mild symptoms; clinical or diagnostic
observations only
Intervention not indicated
Continue immunotherapy unless symptoms worsen or do not improve
G2: Moderate symptoms; minimal, limiting age-appropriate
instrumental ADL
Stop ICI
Neurology consultation
Start prednisone 1 mg/kg/day and taper over 1 month
Rule out infection
G3: Severe or medically significant symptoms but not
immediately life-threatening; limiting self-care ADL
Permanently discontinue ICI
Neurology consultation
Nonopioid management of neuropathic pain, for example, pregabalin, gabapentin, or duloxetine
Admit patient for methylprednisolone pulse dose 1 g/day and consider IVIG or plasmapheresis if no improvement or
or symptoms worsen after 3 days
G4: Life-threatening consequences
Permanently discontinue ICI
Neurology consultation
ICU level inpatient care
Start methylprednisolone pulse dosing 1 g/day and consider IVIG or plasmapheresis if no improvement or symptoms worsen
symptoms worsen after 3 days
64. Hematologic IRAEs: Hemolytic Anemia
DIC = disseminated intravascular coagulation; PT = prothrombin time; INR = international normalized ratio; PTT = partial thromboplastin time; PNH = paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria; Hgb =
hemoglobin; LLN = lower limit of normal; RBC = red blood cell; SAE = serious adverse events.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Hemolytic Anemia
Workup and evaluation
• History and physical examination (with special consideration of history of new drugs, insect, spider, or snake bites)
• Blood chemistry, CBC with evidence of anemia, macrocytosis, evidence of hemolysis on peripheral smear, LDH, haptoglobin, bilirubin, reticulocyte count, and free hemoglobin
• DIC panel, which could include PT or INR or PTT, and infectious causes
• Autoimmune serology
• PNH screening
• Direct and indirect bilirubin, direct agglutinin test, and if no obvious cause, bone marrow analysis, and cytogenetic analysis to evaluate MDS
• Evaluation for viral or bacterial (mycoplasma etc.) causes of hemolysis studies
• Workup for bone marrow failure syndrome if refractory including B12, folate, copper, parvovirus, iron, and thyroid, infection
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase level
• Evaluation of common drug causes (ribavirin, rifampin, dapsone, interferon, cephalosporins, penicillins, NSAIDs, quinine or quinidine, fludarabine, ciprofloxacin, lorazepam, and diclofenac)
• Assessment of methemaglobinemia
Grading Management
G1: Hgb <LLN to 10.0 g/dL; <LLN to
6.2 mmol/L; LLN to 100 g/L
Continue ICI with close clinical follow-up and laboratory evaluation
G2: Hgb <10.0 to 8.0 g/dL; <6.2 to
4.9 mmol/L; <100 to 80 g/L
Hold ICI and strongly consider permanent discontinuation
Administer 0.5-1 mg/kg/d prednisone equivalents
G3: Hgb <8.0 g/dL; <4.9 mmol/L;
<80 g/L; transfusion indicated
Permanently discontinue ICI; should use clinical judgement and consider admitting the patient; Hematology consult
Prednisone 1-2 mg/kg/d (oral or IV equivalent depending on symptoms or speed of development
Consider RBC transfusion per existing guidelines. Do not transfuse more than the minimum number of RBC units necessary to relieve symptoms of anemia or to return
or to return to a patient to a safe hemoglobin range (7-8 g/dL instable, noncardiac inpatients)
Should offer patients supplementation with folic acid 1 mg daily
G4: Life-threatening consequences;
urgent intervention indicated
Permanently discontinue ICI; admit patient; hematology consult
IV prednisone corticosteroids 1-2 mg/kg/day
If no improvement on or if worsening on corticosteroids or severe symptoms on presentation, initiate other immunosuppressive drugs, such as rituximab, IVIG,
IVIG, cyclosporine, infliximab, mycophenolate mofetil, or antithymocyte globulin (ATG)
RBC transfusion per existing guidelines. Discuss with blood bank team before transfusions that a patient with possible ICI SAE is in the hospital
Additional considerations
Monitor hemoglobin levels weekly until the steroid tapering process is complete. Thereafter, less frequent testing is needed
65. Hematologic IRAEs: Acquired TTP
TTP = thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; ADAMS13 = a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type motifs 13; PEX = plasma exchange.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Acquired TTP
Workup and evaluation
• History with specific questions related to drug exposure (eg, chemotherapy, sirolimus, tacrolimus, oxymorphone, antibiotics, and quinine)
• Hematology consult
• Physical examination, peripheral smear to check for schistocytes
• ADAMTS13 activity level and inhibitor titer
• LDH, haptoglobin, reticulocyte count, bilirubin, and urinalysis to rule out other causes
• Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen
• Blood group and antibody screen, and direct antiglobulin test
• Consider CT or MRI brain, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram
• Cytomegalovirus serology
• Note: this disorder is usually associated with severe drop in platelets and hemolysis or anemia precipitously (microangiopathy)
Grading Management
All grades
The first step in the management of TTP is a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis and timely recognition. Hematology consult should
consult should immediately be called, as delay in identification is associated with increased mortality or morbidity
Initially, the patient should be stabilized, and any critical organ dysfunction stabilized
G1: Evidence of RBC destruction (schistocytosis) without
renal insufficiency, or thrombocytopenia clinically
G2: Evidence of RBC destruction (schistocytosis) without clinical
consequence with G2 anemia and thrombocytopenia
Hold ICI and discuss resumption with patient only after taking into account the risks and benefits, nothing that there are currently no data to
currently no data to recommend restarting ICI therapy
Administer 0.5–1 mg/kg/day prednisone
G3: Laboratory findings with clinical consequences (G3
thrombocytopenia, anemia, and renal insufficiency >2)
G4: Life-threatening consequences (eg, CNS hemorrhage or
thrombosis or embolism or renal failure)
Hold ICI and discuss resumption with patient only after taking into account the risks and benefits, noting that there are currently no data to
currently no data to recommend restarting ICI therapy
In conjunction with hematology, initiate therapeutic PEX according to existing guidelines with further PEX dependent on clinical progress
progress
Administer methylprednisolone 1 g IV daily for 3 days, with the first dose typically administered immediately after the first PEX. For patients
For patients who has an initial platelet count response, discontinue PEX
May offer rituximab
Consider caplacizumab if ADAMTS13 activity level is <10 IU/dL or <10% of normal, with an inhibitor or elevated anti-ADAMTS13 IgG
ADAMTS13 IgG
If no exacerbation within 3-5 days after stopping PEX, taper steroids over 2-3 weeks, complete course of rituximab (if receiving), and
and discontinue caplacizumab (if receiving)
66. C = complement protein; MCV = mean corpuscular volume; EBV = Epstein Barr virus; CMV = cytomegalovirus; HHV6 = human herpesvirus 6.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Hematologic IRAEs: Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
Workup and evaluation
• History and physical examination (special consideration for new history of high-risk drugs, hypertension, or cardiac causes)
• CBC with indices
• Blood smear morphology. Note that the presence of schistocytes on smear is critical for diagnosis
• Serum creatinine
• ADAMTS13 (to rule out TTP)
• Homocysteine or methylmalonic acid
• Complement testing C3, C4, and CH50 (complement inhibitory antibodies for suspected familial)
• Evaluate reticulocyte-count and MCV
• Evaluation of infectious cause including screening for viral EBV, CMV, and HHV6
• Evaluation for nutritional causes of macrocytosis (B12 and folate)
• Pancreatic enzymes
• Evaluation for diarrheal causes, shiga toxin, and Escherichia coli 0157
• Direct antibody test (Coombs test), haptoglobin, LDH, and other etiologies of anemia
• Evaluation for common drugs causing hemolysis (tacrolimus, cyclosporine, and sirolimus)
• Evaluation for neurologic changes (alteration in consciousness, concurrent confusion, seizures, pyramidal syndrome, and extrapyramidal syndrome with hypertonia)
Grading Management
G1-2: Evidence of RBC destruction (schistocytosis) without clinical
consequences of anemia, and thrombocytopenia grade 2
Continue ICI with close clinical follow-up and laboratory evaluation
Supportive care
G3: Laboratory findings with clinical consequences (eg, renal
insufficiency and petechiae)
Permanently discontinue ICI
Hematology consult
Begin therapy with eculizumab (anti-C5 antibody) 900 mg weekly x4 doses, 1,200 mg Week 5, then
1,200 mg every 2 weeks
Red blood transfusion according to existing guidelines
G4: Life-threatening consequences, (eg, CNS thrombosis or
or renal failure)
67. BM = bone marrow.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Hematologic IRAEs: Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic Anemia
Workup and evaluation
• History and physical examination (close attention to medications, exposure to radiation, toxins, and recent viral infections)
• CBC, smear, and reticulocyte count
• Viral studies including CMV, HHV6, EBV, and parvovirus
• Nutritional assessments including B12, folate, iron, copper, ceruloplasmin, and vitamin D
• Serum LDH and renal function
• Evaluation for infectious causes
• Identify marrow hypo/aplasia
• BM biopsy and BM aspirate analysis
• Peripheral blood analysis including neutrophil count, proportion of Glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-negative cells by flow for PNH
• Flow cytometry to evaluate loss of GPI-anchored proteins
• Type and screen patient for transfusions and notify blood bank that all transfusions need to be irradiated and filtered
Grading Management
G1: Mild: >0.5 PMNs x 109/L hypocellular marrow,
marrow cellularity <25%, peripheral platelet count
count >20,000, reticulocyte count >20,000
Hold ICI, provide growth factor support, and close clinical follow-up and laboratory evaluation
Supportive transfusions as per local guidelines
G2: Moderate: hypocellular marrow <25% and two of
the following ANC <500, peripheral platelet <20,000
<20,000 and reticulocyte <20,000
Hold ICI and provide growth factor support and close clinical laboratory evaluations daily
Hematology consult
Administer horse ATG plus cyclosporine
Supportive transfusions as per local guidelines. All blood products should be irradiated and filtered
HLA typing and evaluation for bone marrow transplantation if patient is a candidate
G3-4: Severe: ANC <200, platelet count <20,000,
reticulocyte count of <20,000, plus hypocellular
marrow <25%
As per G2
Hold ICI and monitor weekly for improvement. If not resolved, discontinue treatment until AE has reverted to G1
If no response, repeat immunosuppression with rabbit ATG plus cyclosporine, and cyclophosphamide
For refractory patients, consider eltrombopag plus supportive care
68. Hematologic IRAEs: Lymphopenia
Lymphopenia
Workup and evaluation
• History (special attention to nutritional status and for lymphocyte depleting therapy such as fludarabine, ATG, steroids, cytotoxic chemotherapy,
chemotherapy, and radiation exposure, as well as history of autoimmune disease [AD] and family history of AD)
• Physical examination with special attention to spleen size
• CBC with differential, peripheral smear, and reticulocyte count
• CXR for evaluation of presence of thymoma
• Bacterial cultures and evaluation for infection (fungal, bacterial, and viral—specifically CMV or HIV)
Grading Management
All grades
No specific action is required for lymphopenia G1-G3 and ICI therapy should be continued
For G4 (<250 PB lymphocyte count), continue ICI therapy and initiate Mycobacterium avium complex prophylaxis and
and Pneumocystis jirovecii prophylaxis, CMV screening. HIV or hepatitis screening if not already done
May consider EBV testing if evidence of lymphadenopathy or hepatitis, fevers, and hemolysis occur consistent with
lymphoproliferative disease occurs
PB = peripheral blood.
Schneider et al, 2021.
Notas do Editor
Molecular mechanism of chimeric antigen receptor T cell-mediated antitumor activity. a The chimeric T cell receptor coding sequence is delivered by viral vector. After entering into T cells (beige), virus was uncoated and transgene was preferably integrated at genome transcriptional start sites using specific vector designs, such as MLV retrovirus and piggyBac transposon. b CAR transgenes were endogenously transcript by host machinery, translated, and later inserted onto the T cell surface. c Association of CARs to TAA (orange) on tumor cell surface activates T cell for immunological response, for example, signaling network of CAR-T composed of CD8-CD28-CD137-CD3ζ domains was shown in
-Sipuleucel-T for metastatic prostate cancer
-Talimogene laherparepvec: for Tx of Melanoma
Lifileucel: FDA accepted BLA and has a 6 month priority review for melanoma
-
HLA-DR4 predominance among patients treated with ICIs who developed autoimmune, insulin-dependent diabetes
Link for figure: https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/29/2/74#