Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Immune-Related Adverse Events Due to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Acute and Long-term Adverse Events Associated With Checkpoint Blockade

OBJECTIVE

To provide an overview of the spectrum of immune-related adverse events associated with immune checkpoint therapy, including presentation, evaluation, management, and nursing considerations.

DATA SOURCES

Peer-reviewed articles, published literature, national guidelines, Internet.

CONCLUSION

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies are have become a therapeutic treatment options for many cancers. These therapies promote activity of a patient's adaptive immune system to eradicate cancer. The agents are associated with a unique side-effect profile called Immune-related adverse events. Most of these are low severity. However, if they become more severe, they can be life-threatening or result in permanent organ dysfunction. The key to optimizing therapies is collaborative monitoring, evaluation, documentation, management, communication.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Oncology nurses are the front line of patient care. Nurses must have a thorough understanding of the mechanism of action, potential immune-related adverse events, clinical implications, and management strategies. They are responsible for educating patients about immune checkpoint therapies and the potential side effects that may develop, triage management strategies, and coordination of care.

Sicca Syndrome Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to characterize the clinicopathologic features of sicca syndrome associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.

SUBJECTS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with new or worsening xerostomia in the setting of ICI treatment for benign or malignant neoplastic disease were evaluated, including labial salivary gland biopsy (LSGB).

RESULTS

Twenty patients (14 male; median age 57 years) had metastatic melanoma (n = 10), metastatic carcinoma (n = 6), or recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (n = 4) and were being treated with avelumab (n = 8), nivolumab (n = 5), pembrolizumab (n = 4), nivolumab/ipilimumab (n = 2), and M7824, a biologic targeting programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and transforming growth factor ß (n = 1). Four had pre-existing autoimmune disease. Nineteen had very low whole unstimulated saliva flow; six had new dry eye symptoms. The median interval between ICI initiation and dry mouth onset was 70 days. Rheumatoid factor and anti-Sjögren's Syndrome-related Antigen A (Anti-SSA) were both positive in two subjects. LSGB showed mild-to-severe sialadenitis with diffuse lymphocytic infiltration and architectural distortion. There were lymphocytic aggregates in eight patients, composed mainly of CD3+ T cells with a slight predominance of CD4+ over CD8+ T cells. ICI targets (e.g., programmed cell death 1 and PD-L1) were variably positive. In direct response to the advent of the sicca immune-related adverse event, the ICI was held in 12 patients and corticosteroids were initiated in 10. Subjective improvement in symptoms was achieved in the majority; however, salivary secretion remained very low.

CONCLUSION

ICI therapy is associated with an autoimmune-induced sicca syndrome distinct from Sjögren's syndrome, often abrupt in onset, usually developing within the first 3 months of treatment, and associated with sialadenitis and glandular injury. Improvement can be achieved with a graded approach depending on severity, including withholding the ICI and initiating corticosteroids. However, profound salivary flow deficits may be long term.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Sicca syndrome has been reported as an immune-related adverse event (irAE) of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (ICI) for neoplastic diseases. Severe dry mouth (interfering with eating or sleeping) developed abruptly, typically within 90 days, after initiation of ICI therapy. Salivary gland biopsies demonstrated mild-to-severe sialadenitis distinct from Sjögren's syndrome, with diffuse T-cell lymphocytic infiltration and acinar injury. Recognition of the cardinal features of ICI-induced sicca will spur appropriate clinical evaluation and management, including withholding of the ICI and corticosteroid, initiation. This characterization should help oncologists, rheumatologists, and oral medicine specialists better identify patients that develop ICI-induced sicca to initiate appropriate clinical evaluation and therapy to reduce the likelihood of permanent salivary gland dysfunction.

Susceptible loci associated with autoimmune disease as potential biomarkers for checkpoint inhibitor-induced immune-related adverse events

Unprecedented successes regarding cancer immunotherapy have been achieved, in which therapeutic agents are used to target immune cells rather than cancer cells. The most effective immunotherapy to date is the group of immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI), targeting, for example, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) or programmed cell death protein (PD-1). TThe combination of these therapies (anti-PD-1 with anti-CTLA-4) induces high response rates, and seem to be increased further when applied in early-stage disease. However, combined CTLA-4 plus PD-1 blockade causes frequent high-grade immune-related adverse events (irAE). To date, research on biological mechanism of irAEs is scarce and no widely accepted biomarkers predicting onset of severe irAEs have been identified. The similarity of irAEs to autoimmune disorders fuels the hypothesis that irAEs may be linked to susceptible genetic loci related to various autoimmune diseases. In this review, we extensively searched for susceptible loci associated with various autoimmune diseases, and pooled them in groups most likely to be associated with CPI-induced irAEs. These sets could be used in future research on predicting irAEs and guide physicians in a more refined and personal manner.

Immune-related Adverse Events Associated with Cancer Immunotherapy: A Review for the Practicing Rheumatologist

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy by blocking inhibitory pathways of the immune system to fight cancer cells. Their use is often limited by the development of autoimmune toxicities, which can affect multiple organ systems and are referred to as immune-related adverse events (irAE). Among these are rheumatologic irAE, including inflammatory arthritis, myositis, vasculitis, and others. Rheumatologic irAE seem to be different from irAE in other organs and from traditional autoimmune diseases in that they can occur early or have delayed onset, and can persist chronically, even after cancer therapy is terminated. Because immune checkpoint inhibitors are increasingly used for many types of cancer, it is important for oncologists and rheumatologists to recognize and manage toxicities early. In this review, we discuss currently approved immune checkpoint inhibitors and their mechanisms of action and systemic toxicities, with a focus on the management and effect on further cancer therapy of rheumatic irAE.

A Review of Immune-Mediated Adverse Events in Melanoma

The use of checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy has transformed the treatment landscape for melanoma as well as many other cancer types. With the ability to potentiate tumor-specific immune responses, these agents can result in durable tumor control. However, this activation of the immune system can lead to a unique constellation of side effects, distinct from other cancer therapies, collectively termed immune-mediated adverse events (irAEs). This review will focus on irAEs and guidelines for management related to the most clinically relevant checkpoint inhibitors, those that target programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4).

Sonographic Findings in Inflammatory Arthritis Secondary to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition: A Case Series

Objective

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are transforming the field of oncology, leading to tumor regression in multiple advanced cancers. With this case series, we review the ultrasound imaging findings in a series of patients with ICI-induced inflammatory arthritis (IA), a novel rheumatic disease that is caused by cancer immunotherapy.

Methods

We identified patients with rheumatologist-diagnosed, ICI-induced IA who had musculoskeletal ultrasound performed for clinical care. A retrospective chart review was done to obtain demographics, oncologic history, clinical presentation, imaging, and synovial fluid results. Ultrasound images were reviewed and scored for synovial and tendon pathology, presence of Doppler, and bony erosion.

Results

Nine patients were included in this study with a total of 18 joint regions assessed. The knees were the most commonly imaged joint followed by the hands, wrists, feet, and ankles. Synovitis was seen in 12 of the 18 joints with active Doppler in 50% of the cases. Tendon involvement was also frequently seen (13 of 18 joints) with tenosynovitis, tendinitis, and enthesophytes. Erosions were less frequent and seen in only three cases but were also an early finding.

Conclusion

Patients with ICI-induced IA had a wide range of pathology affecting the synovium, tendons, and bones on musculoskeletal ultrasound. Further systematic study with imaging is needed for this group of diseases.

Rheumatic immune related adverse events in patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors for immunotherapy of cancer

Immune checkpoints are small molecules expressed by immune cells that play critical roles in maintaining immune homeostasis. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) are new cancer drugs that target self-tolerance pathways exploited by tumors to escape immune destruction, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or its ligand (PD-L1). Several ICPIs have been approved by Food and Drug Administration, increasing overall survival with different cancers. However, their use can determine development of many different inflammatory side effects, that are defined immune-related adverse effects (irAEs); among others, rheumatological irAEs can develop in these patients. Currently, we have limited data about these adverse effects; particularly, few evidence come from clinical trials about patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases because they were excluded from them. Therefore we analysed the existing scientific literature dealing with this issue, in order to answer to different clinical questions. According to all reviewed data, rheumatological irAEs are not infrequent, in both previously diseased and undiseased patients, but they are often mild and reversible. Close monitoring and interdisciplinary management and monitoring is necessary in order to ensure best care. Many questions remain unanswered or not completely answered; further data are necessary to implement our knowledge in this field and to standardize and optimize clinical practice.

Profiling Autoantibodies against Salivary Proteins in Sicca Conditions

Salivary gland dysfunction occurs in several autoimmune and immune-related conditions, including Sjögren syndrome (SS); immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced sicca (ICIS) that develops in some cancer patients and is characterized by severe, sudden-onset dry mouth; and autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED). Although subjects with these conditions present with oral dryness and often exhibit inflammatory infiltration of the salivary gland, little is known about the B-cell humoral responses directed against salivary gland protein targets. In this study, autoantibodies were evaluated against Ro52, Ro60, and La, as well as against a panel of 22 proteins derived from the salivary proteome. The tested cohort included healthy volunteers and subjects with SS, ICIS, and APECED without and with sicca. As expected, a high percentage of autoantibody seropositivity was detected against Ro52, Ro60, and La in SS, but only a few ICIS patients were seropositive for these autoantigens. A few APECED subjects also harbored autoantibodies to Ro52 and La, but only Ro60 autoantibodies were weakly associated with a small subset of APECED patients with sicca. Additional testing of the salivary panel failed to detect seropositive autoantibodies against any of the salivary-enriched proteins in the SS and ICIS subjects. However, APECED subjects selectively demonstrated seropositivity against BPI fold containing family A member 1 (BPIFA1), BPI fold containing family A member 2 (BPIFA2)/parotid salivary protein (PSP), and lactoperoxidase, 3 salivary-enriched proteins. Moreover, high levels of serum autoantibodies against BPIFA1 and BPIFA2/PSP occurred in 30% and 67% of the APECED patients with sicca symptoms, respectively, and were associated with an earlier age onset of oral dryness (P = 0.001). These findings highlight the complexity of humoral responses in different sicca diseases and provide new insights and biomarkers for APECED-associated sicca (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00001196; NCT00001390; NCT01425892; NCT01386437).

Polymyalgia rheumatica-like syndrome from checkpoint inhibitor therapy: case series and systematic review of the literature

Objective

To assess whether the polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)-like syndrome reported as an immune related adverse event (irAE) from checkpoint inhibitor therapy is consistent with the 2012 European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) provisional criteria for PMR.

Methods

The cases were derived from two sources. Group 1 represents reported cases from three contributing centres. Group 2 was derived from a systematic review of the literature searching for all cases reported as PMR or PMR-like illness associated with checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Cases were assessed for the quality of reporting and then analysed to determine whether they fulfilled the 2012 EULAR/ACR provisional criteria for PMR.

Results

A total of 49 patients were included for analysis. Among the entire group, 37 (75%) were designated ‘complete’ indicating that they had sufficient data to reliably apply the 2012 EULAR/ACR criteria. 28 (75%) cases fulfilled complete criteria for PMR. A number of cases also demonstrated some clinical features unusual for idiopathic PMR.

Conclusion

This study suggests a high proportion of reported cases of checkpoint inhibitor-related PMR fulfil preliminary criteria for PMR, yet in one quarter clinical details were incomplete making verification problematic. Furthermore, in the absence of a gold standard for the diagnosis of PMR, the relationship of checkpoint inhibitor-related PMR to the idiopathic form remains unclear.

Immune-mediated necrotising myopathy: A critical review of current concepts

Immune-mediated necrotising myopathy (IMNM) is a relatively recently described form of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) that is characterised by progressive proximal weakness and few extra-muscular manifestations. Prominent myonecrosis, muscle fibre regeneration and a relative paucity of intramuscular lymphocytes are seen histologically. Immunological mechanisms are believed to underpin the pathogenesis, and intense immunotherapy is frequently required. Disease is often severe and neuromuscular recovery may be poor. Recently there has been an impressive international research effort to understand and characterise this emerging condition, although much remains unknown. Significant advances in the field include the discovery of specific autoantibodies, increased understanding of the risk factors, clinical characteristics and treatment options owing to a wealth of observational studies, and the development of novel classification criteria. Herein we review the current evidence regarding the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, histological features and serological profiles associated with this condition. Diagnostic approaches are discussed, including the role of muscle MRI and antibodies targeting 3‑hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) and signal-recognition peptide (SRP), and a review of current treatment recommendations is provided.

Checkpoint inhibitor-associated autoimmunity

Checkpoint inhibitors (CI) have revolutionized the management of many cancers but can result in immune-related adverse events (IRAE). In this chapter, we review the clinical manifestations and management of the most common IRAE, plus less common IRAE, such as inflammatory arthritis, of particular interest to rheumatologists. We review the mechanism of action of CI, predictors of IRAE, and the impact of IRAE on cancer outcomes. The study of IRAE is in its infancy; there are very few prospective studies and virtually no treatment trials. Where possible, we have drawn estimates of IRAE incidence from meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. Clinical descriptions are derived from case series and case reports. Readers are encouraged to refer to consensus guidelines for IRAE management published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer.

Adverse Event Profiles of Anti-CTLA-4 and Anti-PD-1 Monoclonal Antibodies Alone or in Combination: Analysis of Spontaneous Reports Submitted to FAERS

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)-either as single agents or in combination have become the standard of care for an increasing number of indications. Understanding both the ICI-associated adverse events (AEs) and the possible rank-order of these drugs in terms of susceptibility is essential if we are to improve the curative effect and reduce toxicity.

METHODS

We detected signals of the AEs of ICIs by data mining using the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) AEs Reporting System (FAERS) database. The definition relied on the preferred terms (PTs) and the standardized MedDRA Queries (SMQs) provided by the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA). Disproportionality analysis was performed by calculating the reporting odds ratios (ROR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Adverse effects of CTLA-4 and PD-1 mAbs were most commonly observed in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine systems, liver, and lung, and they included rash, diarrhea, colitis, and thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid dysfunction, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and pneumonitis were more closely associated with the use of anti-PD-1, whereas colitis, diarrhea, hypophysitis, and adrenal insufficiency were more closely associated with anti-CTLA-4; rash and hepatitis occurred similarly in both. Disproportionality signals for less common AEs in other organ systems, including the renal, neurological, cardiac, ocular, musculoskeletal, and hematologic systems, were also detected. Nivolumab and pembrolizumab have very similar safety profiles, but the signal strength of AEs increased when combined with ipilimumab.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study are in agreement with clinical observations, suggesting the usefulness of pharmacovigilance in "real-world" safety monitoring.

A pattern-based approach to the interpretation of skeletal muscle biopsies

The interpretation of muscle biopsies is complex and provides the most useful information when integrated with the clinical presentation of the patient. These biopsies are performed for workup of a wide range of diseases including dystrophies, metabolic diseases, and inflammatory processes. Recent insights have led to changes in the classification of inflammatory myopathies and have changed the role that muscle biopsies have in the workup of inherited diseases. These changes will be reviewed. This review follows a morphology-driven approach by discussing diseases of skeletal muscle based on a few basic patterns that include cases with (1) active myopathic damage and inflammation, (2) active myopathic damage without associated inflammation, (3) chronic myopathic changes, (4) myopathies with distinctive inclusions or vacuoles, (5) biopsies mainly showing atrophic changes, and (6) biopsies that appear normal on routine preparations. Each of these categories goes along with certain diagnostic considerations and pitfalls. Individual biopsy features are only rarely pathognomonic. Establishing a firm diagnosis therefore typically requires integration of all of the biopsy findings and relevant clinical information. With this approach, a muscle biopsy can often provide helpful information in the diagnostic workup of patients presenting with neuromuscular problems.

Management of Immunotherapy-Related Toxicities, Version 1.2019, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

The aim of the NCCN Guidelines for Management of Immunotherapy-Related Toxicities is to provide guidance on the management of immune-related adverse events resulting from cancer immunotherapy. The NCCN Management of Immunotherapy-Related Toxicities Panel is an interdisciplinary group of representatives from NCCN Member Institutions and ASCO, consisting of medical and hematologic oncologists with expertise in a wide array of disease sites, and experts from the fields of dermatology, gastroenterology, neuro-oncology, nephrology, emergency medicine, cardiology, oncology nursing, and patient advocacy. Several panel representatives are members of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC). The initial version of the NCCN Guidelines was designed in general alignment with recommendations published by ASCO and SITC. The content featured in this issue is an excerpt of the recommendations for managing toxicity related to immune checkpoint blockade and a review of existing evidence. For the full version of the NCCN Guidelines, including recommendations for managing toxicities related to chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, visitNCCN.org.

Association of HLA-DRB1 shared epitope alleles and immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced inflammatory arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the frequency of HLA class I and II alleles associated with traditional forms of inflammatory arthritis in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced inflammatory arthritis as compared with population controls.

METHODS

High-resolution HLA typing was performed on 27 patients with ICI-induced inflammatory arthritis and 726 healthy controls. Genotyping at the shared epitope (SE) locus (HLA DRB1) was performed on 220 RA cases. Allele-positivity rates and frequency of having at least one SE allele were compared using Fisher's exact test between ICI-induced inflammatory arthritis and healthy controls. Frequency of having at least one SE allele was also compared between ICI-induced inflammatory arthritis and RA cases.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients with ICI-induced inflammatory arthritis were of European descent, and one was African American. In those 26 patients, 16 (61.5%) had at least one SE allele, significantly different from healthy controls of European descent, in whom 299 (41.2%) had at least one SE allele (odds ratio 2.3, P = 0.04). The allele-positivity rate of DRB1*04: 05 was also higher in the ICI-induced inflammatory arthritis group. The ICI-induced inflammatory arthritis population and RA patients of European descent did not differ in frequency of having at least one SE allele, but ICI-induced inflammatory arthritis patients were more likely to be autoantibody-negative for RF and anti-CCP antibodies.

CONCLUSION

Patients with ICI-induced inflammatory arthritis of European descent were more likely to have at least one SE allele than healthy controls. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and investigate whether a unique immunogenetic framework increases risk for different immune-related adverse events.

PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Incorporating Care Step Pathways for Effective Side-Effect Management

Programmed cell death protein 1 receptor and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors are immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that provide a survival benefit for select patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab are second-line therapies for advanced NSCLC after chemotherapy failure. Pembrolizumab and atezolizumab are also approved as first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC, and durvalumab is a PD-L1 inhibitor indicated as consolidation therapy in individuals with locally advanced NSCLC. The novel mechanism of action of these agents provides clear efficacy benefits to many NSCLC patients without good alternatives, but it may also result in unique immune-related adverse events that many health-care providers are unfamiliar with or uncertain about how to diagnosis and manage. Highlighting the resources of the Immuno-Oncology Essentials Initiative, particularly the Care Step Pathways (CSPs), this article addresses the role of the advanced practice provider in administration, side-effect identification and management, and education of patients with advanced NSCLC receiving ICI therapy. The diagnosis and management of pneumonitis, hypophysitis, diabetes mellitus, and arthralgias/myalgias are examined in detail, addressing special considerations in the NSCLC population.

Hydroxychloroquine is a safe and effective steroid-sparing agent for immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced inflammatory arthritis

Immunotherapy for cancer treatment continues to evolve, and immune checkpoints have proven successful therapeutic targets. With success has come the challenge of managing the commonly associated immune-related toxicities. Arthralgias and arthritis are a common immune-related adverse event (IrAE), well described in the literature (Pardoll Nat Rev Cancer 12:252-264, 2012; Diesendruck and Benhar Drug Resist Updat 30:39-47, 2017; Cappelli et al. Arthritis Care Res 69:1751-1763, 2017; Brahmer et al. J Clin Oncol 36:1714-1768, 2018; Smith and Bass (2017). The optimal management of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced arthritis remains unclear. We describe the first series using hydroxychloroquine as a first-line disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) for patients without pre-existing autoimmune disease, who developed arthritis secondary to ICI's. This was a single-center retrospective observational study reporting all patients evaluated by rheumatologists affiliated with the University of Alberta, a large tertiary health care center in Northern Alberta, Canada, deemed to have inflammatory arthritis (IA) following ICIs. We identified 11 patients, without pre-existing autoimmune disease, who developed IA following ICIs. Most patients presented with a symmetrical polyarthritis with both large and small joint involvement. All patients were treated according to the outlined treatment protocol with hydroxychloroquine as a first-line steroid-sparing agent: either as monotherapy or in combination with tapering doses of systemic corticosteroids (3) or intra-articular steroid injections (6). One patient required the addition of methotrexate to control symptoms and none required biologic therapy. There were no reported adverse effects from hydroxychloroquine. Inflammatory arthritis is an important complication of ICIs leading to significant impact on patient quality of life. In our experience, in patients without pre-existing autoimmune disease, hydroxychloroquine is an effective first-line therapy for IA secondary to ICI therapy.

Immunotherapy Toxicity

The development of immunotherapy to target cancer has led to improved treatment of many types of malignancy. The immune checkpoint inhibitors are a class of medications that block cell signaling and allow the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 inhibitors have been approved as treatment options in many different types of localized and advanced malignancies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can be associated with unique side effects known as immune-related adverse events. Side effects most commonly occur in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, lung, and endocrine glands but can affect other organ systems as well.

Evaluation of arthralgias in adult oncology patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are being commonly used as anticancer therapies to treat malignancies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been associated with numerous immune-related adverse events (irAEs). IrAEs are well documented; however, rheumatic irAEs are infrequently reported in published literature. The objective of this single-center retrospective chart review study was to evaluate the incidence of arthralgias with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy as well as the management of these immune-related events. Patients were included if they received one or more doses of nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, ipilimumab, or a combination of agents within the last year. Exclusion criteria included documented history of autoimmune disease, off-label use of immune checkpoint inhibitor, and non-FDA-approved weight-based dosing. This study included 98 patients for review and identified 11 patients that developed arthralgias with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Median time to event was 63 days. Seven patients were treated with corticosteroids. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy was held in six patients with arthralgias. Inflammatory markers were collected for six patients and elevated in four of these cases. One patient was referred to rheumatology. The three patients who had grading of arthralgias were not managed optimally according to guideline recommendations. These findings show that 11% of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors had documented arthralgias, consistent with previous reports in the literature. Also, the report shows that management and treatment of these events at our institution was not consistent between providers. Lastly, collaboration with rheumatology may be essential in managing arthralgias and other rheumatologic irAEs.

Management of immune-related adverse events resulting from immune checkpoint blockade

INTRODUCTION

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are now a standard of care in the treatment of many cancers leading to durable responses in patients with metastatic disease. These agents are generally well tolerated but may lead to the occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). As any organ may be affected, clinicians should be aware of the broad range of clinical manifestations and symptoms and keep in mind that toxicities may occur late, at any point along a patient's treatment course. Although the most common irAEs are rarely severe, some of them may be associated with great morbidity and even become life-threatening. The rate of occurrence, type and severity of irAEs may vary with the type of ICI; thus, grade 3 and 4 irAEs are reported in more than 55% of patients treated with the combination of ipilimumab 3 mg/kg and nivolumab 1 mg/kg. Area covered: This review presents the management of irAEs resulting from checkpoint blockade, with a focus on rare irAEs. Expert commentary: With the development of immuno-oncology and the expanding role of ICI, physicians have learnt to diagnose and treat most of the irAEs that can occur. This review provides an overview of current guidelines, previously published studies and our multidisciplinary team based practices.

Musculoskeletal and Rheumatic Diseases Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Review of the Literature

Background:

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a new promising class of antitumor drugs that have been associated with a number of immune-related Adverse Events (AEs), including musculoskeletal and rheumatic disease.

Methods:

We searched Medline reviewing reports of musculoskeletal and rheumatic AEs induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Results:

Several musculoskeletal and rheumatic AEs associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment are reported in the literature. In particular, arthralgia and myalgia were the most common reported AEs, whereas the prevalence of arthritis, myositis and vasculitis is less characterized and mainly reported in case series and case reports. Other occasionally described AEs are sicca syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica, systemic lupus erythematosus and sarcoidosis.

Conclusion:

Newly induced musculoskeletal and rheumatic diseases are a frequent adverse event associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment

Management of immune-related adverse events in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors– Rheumatology point of view

The development of immunotherapy has revolutionized the cancer treatment in the recent years. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis) such as anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (anti-CTLA-4) and anti-programmed cell death protein (anti-PD1) and its ligand (anti-PDL1) have become part of the standard treatment of various malignancies. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were common in patients treated with ICPis. Rheumatologists should be aware of the upcoming challenges in the management of irAEs in a patient receiving treatment with ICPis.

Immunotherapy, Cancer and Rheumatological Diseases: A Review of the Literature and a Series of Cases in a University Hospital

The appearance in the field of oncology of therapeutic molecules in the form of monoclonal antibodies, whose objective is to stimulate the patient's own immune system to be responsible for destroying cancer cells, has revolutionized the treatment of many cancers in recent years. This type of therapy, called immunotherapy, is also characterized by presenting side effects in the form of autoimmune diseases that we are still beginning to understand. From the point of view of the immune-mediated rheumatological side effects, we can find musculoskeletal manifestations, mechanical, inflammatory or systemic autoimmune diseases. The therapeutic approach to these side effects remains uncertain due to the absence of clinical trials and validated recommendations. The multidisciplinary management is crucial to successfully treat such cases. In the following manuscript, we will describe our case reports of rheumatologic immune-related adverse events in a university hospital.

Association of good oncological response to therapy with the development of rheumatic immune-related adverse events following PD-1 inhibitor therapy

AIM

To investigate whether any patient or treatment characteristics are associated with the development of rheumatic immune-related adverse events (irAEs) following programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor therapy for cancer.

METHOD

This was a retrospective chart review of all patients who were dispensed nivolumab or pembrolizumab at a single center before 1 January, 2017, with follow-up until 1 July, 2017. Patients with any diagnosis of a non-cutaneous irAE were identified, regardless of severity, and rheumatic irAEs were characterized.

RESULTS

Of 244 episodes of therapy, a non-cutaneous irAE occurred in 72 (29.5%). Rheumatic irAEs were diagnosed in 19 episodes of therapy (7.8%), with 12 de novo diagnoses (5.1% of episodes without a pre-existing autoimmune rheumatic disease) and 7 exacerbations of existing disease. Review by a rheumatologist occurred in only 11 of these. Rheumatic irAEs were more common in patients with a good oncological response to therapy (relative risk [RR] 11.16), those being treated for melanoma (RR 2.94) and those who developed another non-cutaneous irAE (RR 2.64).

CONCLUSION

Rheumatic irAEs are relatively common with PD-1 inhibitor therapy, and appear to be associated with a good oncological response to therapy. Many rheumatic irAEs were not referred to rheumatological services. Prospective systematic investigation would be of benefit to explore these characteristics.

Immune-related adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors: a brief review

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (icis) such as inhibitors of ctla-4, PD-1, and PD-L1, given as monotherapy or combination therapy have emerged as effective treatment options for immune-sensitive solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. The benefits of icis can be offset by immune-related adverse events (iraes) that leave all organ systems vulnerable and subsequently increase the risk for morbidity and mortality. Because of fluctuating onset and prolonged duration, the toxicities associated with iraes represent a shift from the understanding of conventional anticancer toxicities. The ctla-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors modulate T-cell response differently, resulting in distinct toxicity patterns, toxicity kinetics, and dose-toxicity relationships. Using individualized patient education, screening, and assessment for the early identification of iraes is key to proactive management and is therefore key to improving outcomes and prolonging therapy. Management of iraes is guided by appropriate grading, which sets the stage for the treatment setting (outpatient vs. inpatient), ici treatment course (delay vs. discontinuation), supportive care, corticosteroid use, organ specialist consultation, and additional immunosuppression. Health care professionals in oncology must work collaboratively with emergency and community colleagues to facilitate an understanding of iraes in an effort to optimize seamless care.

Musculoskeletal rheumatic complications of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: A single center experience

BACKGROUND

The use of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, these medications are associated with significant and potentially debilitating immune-related adverse events (irAEs). While certain toxicities have been well studied, rheumatic complications have been less widely recognized and characterized.

METHODS

We report our experience of patients who were evaluated by rheumatology after the development of a suspected rheumatic irAE following ICI treatment. Cases of rheumatic irAEs were included if active rheumatic signs or symptoms developed during or after ICI treatment and were confirmed by a treating rheumatologist.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients were evaluated by rheumatology for suspected rheumatic irAEs. Eighteen patients had confirmed toxicity including inflammatory arthritis (n = 12) and PMR (n = 6). Twelve patients had de novo toxicity and six had a flare of a pre-existing rheumatic condition. The onset of de novo toxicity occurred late into treatment (median 38 weeks), while patients with pre-existing rheumatic disease flared soon after initiation of ICI treatment (median 4.6 weeks). Management often required systemic or intra-articular steroids, with initiation of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy in those unable to wean off steroids.

CONCLUSION

De novo rheumatic irAEs are generally delayed in onset after ICI initiation, while flares of pre-existing rheumatic conditions occur shortly after ICI initiation. Effective management often requires systemic corticosteroids as well as DMARDs in a subset of patients. Future prospective studies are needed to accurately describe the incidence and spectrum of rheumatic irAEs and to identify the most effective management strategies.

Inflammatory Arthritis Induced by Pembrolizumab in a Patient With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Introduction: T cell checkpoint inhibitors targeting Programmed cell Death protein-1 (PD-1) have emerged as novel immunotherapy agents showing remarkable efficacy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite important clinical benefits, they are associated with side effects that occur as a consequence of general immunological stimulation due to loss of T cell inhibition. Herein, we report the unusual case of inflammatory arthritis induced by anti-PD-1 agent pembrolizumab.

Case report: A 55-years old male was treated with pembrolizumab at a dose of 200 mg every 3 weeks for a metastatic hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Following two cycles of immunotherapy, and while complete response of lung metastases was achieved, the patient presented with stiffness, swelling and pain of the right knee. Clinical examination and synovial fluid analysis revealed a seronegative inflammatory arthritis. Pembrolizumab therapy was interrupted and low-dose prednisone was administered with remarkable clinical improvement. Pembrolizumab was reintroduced, but after the fifth cycle, the patient developed inflammatory polyarthritis involving both knees and interphalangeal joints of both hands resulting in severe clinical deterioration. At that time, treatment with pembrolizumab was permanently discontinued. High-dose prednisone and methotrexate treatment led to remission of clinical symptoms.

Conclusion: Pembrolizumab-induced inflammatory arthritis is an unusual rheumatic immune-related adverse event that physicians are likely to encounter as ICI use expands. Multidisciplinary management and rheumatology consultation are necessary to provide immediate treatment and avoid permanent joint damage.

Neurological complications of immune checkpoint inhibitors: what happens when you 'take the brakes off' the immune system

Patients with advanced malignancies treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors are at increased risk for developing immune-related neurological complications. It is a phenomenon of immunological twist when immunotherapy against co-stimulatory molecules activates previously normal T cells to kill tumor cells but, in so doing, the T cells become unrestrained, triggering other autoimmune diseases for which conventional immunotherapy is needed. The most common autoimmune neurological diseases, usually occurring within 2-12 weeks after immune checkpoint inhibitor initiation, include: inflammatory myopathies, myasthenia gravis, acute and chronic demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathies, vasculitic neuropathies, isolated cranial neuropathies, aseptic meningitis, autoimmune encephalitis, multiple sclerosis and hypophysitis. The neurological events can evolve rapidly, necessitating the need for vigilance at all stages of treatment, even after completion, because early immunotherapeutic interventions are effective. The review addresses these complications and the applied therapies, discusses immune pathomechanisms including triggering preexisting autoimmunity, highlights the distinction between paraneoplastic and autoimmune etiologies, and identifies uncertainties regarding risk factors, use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with known immune diseases or restarting therapy after a neurological event. Although the autoimmune neurological complications are not very common, their incidence will likely increase as the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic cancer is growing rapidly.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Toxicity Review for the Palliative Care Clinician

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have opened an exciting chapter in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer. For the palliative care clinician, however, ICIs present several new challenges, including new ways to define treatment success, as well as treatment-related toxicities that differ in nature and timing from traditional chemotherapy. In this article, we review the mechanism of action of ICIs, as well as selected published data supporting the efficacy of ICIs in patients with advanced cancer. In addition, we summarize existing data of ICI toxicity prevalence, patterns of severity, and timing of onset. Finally, we briefly review key principles from published guidelines on the management of ICI toxicities.

Arthritis After Cancer Immunotherapy: Symptom Duration and Treatment Response

OBJECTIVE

Musculoskeletal manifestations of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) after checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy for cancer remain incompletely characterized and poorly understood. A recently published case series suggested that immunotherapy-induced arthritis is an aggressive process requiring high-dose corticosteroids.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of all patients with musculoskeletal irAEs first seen by one of the authors between 2014 and 2016. All patients had been treated for a malignancy with immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 (nivolumab, pembrolizumab), PD-L1 (durvalumab), and/or CTLA-4 (ipilimumab, tremelimumab) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

RESULTS

We identified 10 patients with a mean ± SD age of 63.2 ± 9.7 years. Seven were treated with a combination of checkpoint inhibitors and 3 with nivolumab monotherapy. Four patients developed inflammatory polyarthritis, 4 oligoarthritis, and 2 tenosynovitis. Six were antinuclear antibody positive and 2 had anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies. Mean ± SD time from the first dose of immunotherapy until joint involvement was 6.3 ± 4.3 months. All 10 patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids, but 6 of 10 required ≤20 mg per day of prednisone. Five patients received steroid-sparing agents. Mean ± SD time until resolution of joint symptoms after the last dose of immunotherapy was 9.2 ± 6.1 months.

CONCLUSION

Musculoskeletal irAEs can manifest as a rheumatoid arthritis-like polyarthritis, oligoarthritis, tenosynovitis, or polymyalgia rheumatica. Musculoskeletal symptoms can last more than a year, but they can generally be managed with low to moderate doses of corticosteroids.

Treatment of Complications from Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Patients with Lung Cancer

OPINION STATEMENT

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the management of advanced NSCLC. With the intention of generating an anti-tumor immune response, ICIs can also lead to inflammatory side effects involving a wide variety of organs in the body, termed immune-related adverse events. Although no prospective clinical trial exists to guide recommendations for optimal and more specific immunosuppressive treatments rather than corticosteroids, further studies may lead to a more mechanistic-based approach towards these toxicities in the future. In relation to current practice, we recommend adherence to the recent published guidelines which emphasize the importance of early recognition and administration of temporary immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids in most cases, depending on the organ system involved, and the severity of toxicity. Recognition of these toxicities is increasingly important as the use of these agents expand within different indications for patients with lung cancers, and to other tumor types.

CHECKPOINT INHIBITOR IMMUNE THERAPY: Systemic Indications and Ophthalmic Side Effects

PURPOSE

To review immune checkpoint inhibitor indications and ophthalmic side effects.

METHODS

A literature review was performed using a PubMed search for publications between 1990 and 2017.

RESULTS

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are designed to treat system malignancies by targeting one of three ligands, leading to T-cell activation for attack against malignant cells. These ligands (and targeted drug) include cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4, ipilimumab), programmed death protein 1 (PD-1, pembrolizumab, nivolumab), and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1, atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab). These medications upregulate the immune system and cause autoimmune-like side effects. Ophthalmic side effects most frequently manifest as uveitis (1%) and dry eye (1-24%). Other side effects include myasthenia gravis (n = 19 reports), inflammatory orbitopathy (n = 11), keratitis (n = 3), cranial nerve palsy (n = 3), optic neuropathy (n = 2), serous retinal detachment (n = 2), extraocular muscle myopathy (n = 1), atypical chorioretinal lesions (n = 1), immune retinopathy (n = 1), and neuroretinitis (n = 1). Most inflammatory side effects are managed with topical or periocular corticosteroids, but advanced cases require systemic corticosteroids and cessation of checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

CONCLUSION

Checkpoint inhibitors enhance the immune system by releasing inhibition on T cells, with risk of autoimmune-like side effects. Ophthalmologists should include immune-related adverse events in their differential when examining cancer patients with new ocular symptoms.

Management of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline

Purpose To increase awareness, outline strategies, and offer guidance on the recommended management of immune-related adverse events in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICPi) therapy. Methods A multidisciplinary, multi-organizational panel of experts in medical oncology, dermatology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, pulmonology, endocrinology, urology, neurology, hematology, emergency medicine, nursing, trialist, and advocacy was convened to develop the clinical practice guideline. Guideline development involved a systematic review of the literature and an informal consensus process. The systematic review focused on guidelines, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and case series published from 2000 through 2017. Results The systematic review identified 204 eligible publications. Much of the evidence consisted of systematic reviews of observational data, consensus guidelines, case series, and case reports. Due to the paucity of high-quality evidence on management of immune-related adverse events, recommendations are based on expert consensus. Recommendations Recommendations for specific organ system-based toxicity diagnosis and management are presented. While management varies according to organ system affected, in general, ICPi therapy should be continued with close monitoring for grade 1 toxicities, with the exception of some neurologic, hematologic, and cardiac toxicities. ICPi therapy may be suspended for most grade 2 toxicities, with consideration of resuming when symptoms revert to grade 1 or less. Corticosteroids may be administered. Grade 3 toxicities generally warrant suspension of ICPis and the initiation of high-dose corticosteroids (prednisone 1 to 2 mg/kg/d or methylprednisolone 1 to 2 mg/kg/d). Corticosteroids should be tapered over the course of at least 4 to 6 weeks. Some refractory cases may require infliximab or other immunosuppressive therapy. In general, permanent discontinuation of ICPis is recommended with grade 4 toxicities, with the exception of endocrinopathies that have been controlled by hormone replacement. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki .