Myocarditis in the Setting of Cancer Therapeutics: Proposed Case Definitions for Emerging Clinical Syndromes in Cardio-Oncology

Immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicities: systems-based approaches to improve patient care and research

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have now been approved in numerous and diverse cancer types and combination regimens. Effective recognition and treatment of ICI toxicities, which might occur acutely, affect any organ system, and produce many distinct clinical syndromes, have emerged as essential goals of ICI management. Thus, developing robust diagnostic and management approaches for ICI toxicity across the health-care system is an urgent and unmet clinical need. In this Personal View, we describe barriers to high-quality care that have constrained the most effective management of patients with cancer receiving ICI treatment. We review education initiatives to enhance patient and physician awareness, which is necessary given the broad spectrum of ICI toxicities often experienced by patients, and assess various systems-based approaches that maximise the chances of appropriate management. In addition, we describe research pipelines that broaden evidence-based approaches and the pathobiology of these novel events. Developing effective, systematic approaches for the recognition and treatment of ICI toxicities will continue to grow in importance as these agents proliferate in cancer care.

Coronary and aortic calcification are associated with cardiovascular events on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy

BACKGROUND

Although the incidence of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related cardiovascular (CV) toxicity is low, the overall burden of CV events after ICI is unknown. Risk factors for CV events after ICI have yet to be identified.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to evaluate the association between vascular calcification on routine baseline computed tomography (CT) imaging and CV events following ICI.

METHOD

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of 76 patients referred to Cardio-Oncology with prior ICI treatment. Coronary and aortic calcification on non-gated chest and abdominal CT imaging were qualitatively assessed. The association of baseline clinical parameters and vascular calcification with symptomatic heart failure (HF), acute coronary syndrome, myocarditis, symptomatic arrhythmia, or pericardial effusion after ICI was evaluated.

RESULTS

Over 11 months of follow-up, there were 80 CV events that occurred in 49 patients. Worse coronary and aortic calcification on pre-treatment CT imaging was seen in patients with a CV event (p = .018 and p = .014, respectively). There were no differences in traditional CV risk factors between those with and without a CV event. Eighteen patients (37%) were restarted on ICI therapy after a non- myocarditis or symptomatic systolic HF CV event without recurrent events or mortality over 13 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic HF was the most common CV event seen after ICI therapy. Worse coronary and aortic calcification on baseline CT imaging was associated with CV events following ICI. With careful clinical evaluation, selected patients may be re-treated with ICI following a non- myocarditis or symptomatic systolic HF CV event.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Cardiotoxicity: Understanding Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Characteristics and Finding a Cure

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) attenuate mechanisms of self-tolerance in the immune system, enabling T cell responses to cancerous tissues and revolutionizing care for cancer patients. However, by loweringbarriers against self-reactivity, ICIs often result in varying degrees of autoimmunity. Cardiovascular complications, particularly myocarditis but also arrhythmias, pericarditis, and vasculitis, have emerged as significant complications associated with ICIs. In this review, we examine the clinical aspects and basic science principles that underlie ICI-associated myocarditis and other cardiovascular toxicities. In addition, we discuss current therapeutic approaches. We believe a better mechanistic understanding of ICI-associated toxicities can lead to improved patient outcomes by reducing treatment-related morbidity.

Myocarditis associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: Practical considerations in diagnosis and management

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have caused radical changes in the treatment scheme of many types of cancer in the past 10 years. ICIs are specific monoclonal antibodies that increase T-cell mediated immune response against cancer cells. Despite important advances in cancer treatment, uncontrolled activation of cytotoxic T cells has brought along many autoimmune clinical side effects, especially acute myocarditis. Although the incidence of ICI-related myocarditis is about 1%, it is remarkable in terms of mortality rate reaching 46% and demonstrating the necessity of rapid diagnosis and multidisciplinary approach. The present review aimed to summarize the heterogeneous symptomatology of ICI-associated myocarditis, clinical presentation ranging from elevated asymptomatic cardiac enzyme levels to cardiogenic shock, prominent diagnostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and current information on the effectiveness of immunosuppressants in therapy.

The Role of Biomarkers in Cardio-Oncology

In the field of cardio-oncology, it is well recognised that despite the benefits of chemotherapy in treating and possibly curing cancer, it can cause catastrophic damage to bystander tissues resulting in a range of potentially of life-threatening cardiovascular toxicities, and leading to a number of damaging side effects including heart failure and myocardial infarction. Cardiotoxicity is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in the long-term in oncology patients, specifically due to left ventricular dysfunction. There is increasing emphasis on the early use of biomarkers in order to detect the cardiotoxicity at a stage before it becomes irreversible. The most important markers of cardiac injury are cardiac troponin and natriuretic peptides, whilst markers of inflammation such as interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, myeloperoxidase, Galectin-3, growth differentiation factor-15 are under investigation for their use in detecting cardiotoxicity early. In addition, microRNAs, genome-wide association studies and proteomics are being studied as novel markers of cardiovascular injury or inflammation. The aim of this literature review is to discuss the evidence base behind the use of these biomarkers for the detection of cardiotoxicity.

How to Monitor Cardiac Complications of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a successful paradigm in the treatment of cancer. ICIs elicit an immune response directed against cancer cells, by targeting the so-called immune checkpoints, key regulators of the immune system that when stimulated can dampen the immune response to an immunologic stimulus. Such response, however, is not entirely tumor-specific and may result in immune-related adverse events (irAEs), involving a number of organs and systems. Cardiovascular (CV) irAEs are rare, although potentially severe. In particular, several cases of ICI-related myocarditis with life-threatening course have been reported: the possibility of fulminant cases, thus, requires a high level of awareness among both oncologists and cardiologists. Aggressive work-up and management of symptomatic patients taking ICIs is fundamental for early recognition and initiation of specific immunosuppressive therapies. Notably, myocarditis occurs within few weeks from ICIs initiation, offering opportunity for a targeted screening. Troponin testing is the cornerstone of this screening, yet uncertainties remain regarding timing and candidates. Moreover, troponins positivity should be carefully interpreted. We herein review the main aspects of ICI-related myocarditis and suggest a practical approach. In particular, we focus on the opportunities that a baseline CV evaluation offers for subsequent management by collecting clinical and instrumental data, essential for the interpretation of troponin results, for differential diagnosis and for the formulation of a diagnostic and therapeutic workup.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myositis, the earliest and most lethal complication among rheumatic and musculoskeletal toxicities

BACKGROUND

In addition to restoring anti-tumor immune responses, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) may also induce immune-related adverse events (irAE) that can affect any organ. We aim to determine the spectrum, timing, clinical features, and fatalities of rheumatic and musculoskeletal immune-related adverse events (RMS-irAE) associated with ICI.

PATIENTS METHODS

We performed an observational, retrospective, pharmacovigilance study using the World Health Organization international pharmacovigilance database, VigiBase, from inception to January 2019. RMS-irAE reporting rate on ICI versus full database was performed using disproportionality analysis with computation of reporting-odds-ratios (ROR) and a Bayesian disproportional estimate (information component, IC). IC₀₂₅ (lower end of the IC 95% credibility interval) >0 is deemed significant.

RESULTS

We identified 1288 RMS-irAE significantly associated with ICI: polymyalgia rheumatica (n = 76, ROR = 14.6 [11.6-18.4], IC₀₂₅ = 3.34), sarcoidosis (n = 94; ROR = 9.6 [7.9-11.9]; IC₀₂₅ = 2.85), Sjogren's syndrome (n = 49; ROR = 6.9 [5.2-9.2]; IC₀₂₅ = 2.24), myositis (n = 465; ROR = 4.9 [4.5-5.4]; IC₀₂₅ = 2.12), arthritis (n = 606; ROR = 1.4 [1.3-1.5]; IC₀₂₅ = 0.34) and scleroderma (n = 17; ROR = 2.0 [1.2-3.2]; IC₀₂₅ = 0.17). Arthritis, myositis, and Sjogren's syndrome were over-reported in patients treated with ICI combination versus those treated with ICI monotherapy (ROR = 1.6-2.9, p < .05) and more frequently reported on anti-PD1/PDL1 monotherapy vs. anti-CTLA4 monotherapy (2.1-4.4, p < .05). Median time to onset occurred early for myositis (31 days [19.2-57.8]) and was the most delayed for scleroderma (395 days [323.8-457.2], p < .0001). The fatality rate for RMS-irAE ranged from 24% for myositis (n = 106/441) (up to 56.7% with concurrent myocarditis) to [0-6.7%] for other RMS-irAE (p < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should be aware of the spectrum of RMS-irAE. Myositis can be particularly life-threatening, particularly when associated with myocarditis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Detect Cardiovascular Effects of Cancer Therapy: JACC CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review

This paper aims to empower and inform cardio-oncologists by providing a practical guide to the clinical application of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in the rapidly evolving field of cardio-oncology. Specifically, we describe how CMR can be used to assess the cardiovascular effects of cancer therapy. The CMR literature, relevant societal guidelines, indication-specific imaging protocols, and methods to overcome some of the challenges encountered in performing and accessing CMR are reviewed.

Cardiovascular Complications of Systemic Therapy in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Cardiovascular diseases may determine therapy outcomes of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The evidence for how iatrogenic cardiovascular complications contribute to ceasing anticancer treatment, decreasing the quality of life or even premature death, is unclear. Older patients and smokers are at risk of atherosclerosis and arterial thromboembolic events (TE), such as myocardial infarction or stroke. Venous TE can be observed in up to 15% of NSCLC patients, but the risk increases three to five times in ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase)-rearranged NSCLC. ALK inhibitors are associated with electrophysiological disorders. Cytotoxic agents and anti-VEGF inhibitors mainly cause vascular complications, including venous or arterial TE. Cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmias seem to be less frequent. Chemotherapy is often administered in two-drug regimens. Clinical events can be triggered by different mechanisms. Among epidermal growth factor inhibitors, erlotinib and gefitinib can lead to coronary artery events; however, afatinib and osimertinib can be associated with the development of heart failure. During anti-PD1/anti-PDL1 therapy, myocarditis is possible, which must be differentiated from acute coronary syndrome and heart failure. Awareness of all possible cardiovascular complications in NSCLC encourages vigilance in early diagnostics and treatment.

A review of the imaging manifestations of immune check point inhibitor toxicities

The past decade has witnessed a paradigm shift in cancer therapy owing to the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and it is now commonplace for radiologists to image patients on therapy with these agents. The purpose of this review is to detail the mechanism, radiological manifestations and clinical significance of ICI related toxicities, according to the organ system involved. ICI related toxicities that have known imaging manifestations include colitis, enterocolitis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, endocrine toxicities, pneumonitis, cardiovascular toxicity and musculoskeletal toxicity. These toxicities may be acute, recurrent or chronic in nature. Radiologists must be aware of the imaging features and clinical significance of these toxicities in order to effectively participate in personalized cancer therapy.

EULAR points to consider for the diagnosis and management of rheumatic immune-related adverse events due to cancer immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors

Background

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are observed in about 10% of patients with cancer receiving checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). Given the recent emergence of these events and the lack of guidance for rheumatologists addressing them, a European League Against Rheumatism task force was convened to harmonise expert opinion regarding their identification and management.

Methods

First, the group formulated research questions for a systematic literature review. Then, based on literature and using a consensus procedure, 4 overarching principles and 10 points to consider were developed.

Results

The overarching principles defined the role of rheumatologists in the management of irAEs, highlighting the shared decision-making process between patients, oncologists and rheumatologists. The points to consider inform rheumatologists on the wide spectrum of musculoskeletal irAEs, not fulfilling usual classification criteria of rheumatic diseases, and their differential diagnoses. Early referral and facilitated access to rheumatologist are recommended, to document the target organ inflammation. Regarding therapeutic, three treatment escalations were defined: (1) local/systemic glucocorticoids if symptoms are not controlled by symptomatic treatment, then tapered to the lowest efficient dose, (2) conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, in case of inadequate response to glucocorticoids or for steroid sparing and (3) biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, for severe or refractory irAEs. A warning has been made on severe myositis, a life-threatening situation, requiring high dose of glucocorticoids and close monitoring. For patients with pre-existing rheumatic disease, baseline immunosuppressive regimen should be kept at the lowest efficient dose before starting immunotherapies.

Conclusion

These statements provide guidance on diagnosis and management of rheumatic irAEs and aim to support future international collaborations.

Neurologic complications of immune checkpoint inhibitors

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are associated with a wide spectrum of neurologic immune-related adverse events (irAEs) including meningo-encephalitis, myasthenia gravis and various neuropathies. Although relatively rare, they often present significant diagnostic complexity and may be under-recognized. Permanent neurologic deficits and/or fatality have been described but improvement is noted in most cases with ICI discontinuation and immunosuppressive therapy.Areas covered: This review highlights the most frequently reported ICI-associated neurologic toxicities with a particular focus on those that may be more severe and/or fatal. Data from case series and pharmacovigilance studies is leveraged to provide an overview of associated clinical features, expected outcomes and appropriate management. Various immunobiologic triggers have been proposed to explain why certain patients might develop neurologic irAEs and are also briefly discussed.Expert opinion: All providers who care for patients with cancer should be made aware of common neurologic irAEs and able to recognize when prompt evaluation and consultation with appropriate specialists are indicated. Symptoms suggestive of encephalitis, myasthenia-gravis or an acute polyradiculopathy such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in patients exposed to these agents warrant immediate attention with a low threshold for hospitalization to expedite work-up and monitor for severe and/or life-threatening manifestations.

Cardiovascular immune-related adverse events: Evaluation, diagnosis and management

Cardiotoxicities are associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Recent case series and retrospective studies have shown that cardiac immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) are rare but potentially fatal complications of immunotherapy, with various underlying risk factors such as combinations of different ICIs. High mortality rates and overreactive inflammation have been observed with ICI‐associated cardiotoxicities, highlighting the necessity of baseline and serial evaluations and the identification and management of cardiac irAEs as early as possible. The clinical presentations of irAEs range from asymptomatic cardiac biomarker elevation, myocarditis and pericardial diseases to heart failure and mild to fatal arrhythmia. Troponin measurement and electrocardiogram are sensitive initial tests, whereas cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and endomyocardial biopsy are both gold standard components of the diagnostic criteria. Close monitoring and timely consultation with a cardiologist are important for the diagnosis of ICI‐related cardiotoxicities, with decisions of stopping or rechallenging ICIs and strategies to manage heart injuries. Treatment principles are made according to risk stratifications. The first‐line medication is glucocorticoids of various doses, and the second‐line immunosuppression includes intravenous immunoglobin, antithymocyte globulin and other immunosuppressants, which are recommended in life‐threatening cases or in cases of resistance/no response to steroids.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Nephrotoxicity: Update 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) have transformed the landscape of oncology, but are associated with a variety of autoimmune adverse events, including AKI. ICPI-associated AKI (ICPI-AKI) is emerging as an increasingly frequent cause of AKI in patients with cancer, and poses unique diagnostic and management challenges to clinicians who care for these patients. In this review, we describe the incidence and risk factors for ICPI-AKI, including proton pump inhibitor use, CKD, and combination immunotherapy. We discuss the limitations of the various definitions used for ICPI-AKI in prior studies, and propose a novel classification system (definite, probable, and possible ICPI-AKI) that recognizes the diagnostic uncertainty inherent in many cases. We discuss the key clinicopathologic features and treatment strategies for ICPI-AKI, including the role of kidney biopsy versus empirical treatment with steroids. We also explore the under-studied area of ICPI use in the setting of solid organ transplantation, where nephrologists and oncologists must balance the risk of rejection versus treating the underlying malignancy. Finally, we summarize existing data on the role of ICPI rechallenge after an episode of ICPI-AKI.

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment of Immune-Related Adverse Events of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been changing the paradigm of cancer treatment. However, immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) have also increased with the exponential increase in the use of ICIs. ICIs can break up the immunologic homeostasis and reduce T-cell tolerance. Therefore, inhibition of immune checkpoint can lead to the activation of autoreactive T-cells, resulting in various irAEs similar to autoimmune diseases. Gastrointestinal toxicity, endocrine toxicity, and dermatologic toxicity are common side effects. Neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and pulmonary toxicity are relatively rare but can be fatal. ICI-related gastrointestinal toxicity, dermatologic toxicity, and hypophysitis are more common with anti- CTLA-4 agents. ICI-related pulmonary toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and myasthenia gravis are more common with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Treatment with systemic steroids is the principal strategy against irAEs. The use of immune-modulatory agents should be considered in case of no response to the steroid therapy. Treatment under the supervision of multidisciplinary specialists is also essential, because the symptoms and treatments of irAEs could involve many organs. Thus, this review focuses on the mechanism, clinical presentation, incidence, and treatment of various irAEs.

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment of Immune-Related Adverse Events of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been changing the paradigm of cancer treatment. However, immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) have also increased with the exponential increase in the use of ICIs. ICIs can break up the immunologic homeostasis and reduce T-cell tolerance. Therefore, inhibition of immune checkpoint can lead to the activation of autoreactive T-cells, resulting in various irAEs similar to autoimmune diseases. Gastrointestinal toxicity, endocrine toxicity, and dermatologic toxicity are common side effects. Neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and pulmonary toxicity are relatively rare but can be fatal. ICI-related gastrointestinal toxicity, dermatologic toxicity, and hypophysitis are more common with anti- CTLA-4 agents. ICI-related pulmonary toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and myasthenia gravis are more common with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Treatment with systemic steroids is the principal strategy against irAEs. The use of immune-modulatory agents should be considered in case of no response to the steroid therapy. Treatment under the supervision of multidisciplinary specialists is also essential, because the symptoms and treatments of irAEs could involve many organs. Thus, this review focuses on the mechanism, clinical presentation, incidence, and treatment of various irAEs.

Myocardial and Pericardial Toxicity Associated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Patients

We recount a single-center experience with cardiac immunity-related adverse effects in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Of 2,830 patients, 9 patients (0.3%) developed cardiac immunity-related adverse effects (4 cases of cardiomyopathies, 2 of myocarditis, 2 of acute pericarditis, and 1 of large pericardial effusion). Disease profiles, hospital courses, and outcomes are reported. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

[Third degree atrio-ventricular blockade during a myocarditis occurring under anti-PD1 : Case report and literature review]

INTRODUCTION

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) therapy is now a standard of care in numerous cancers with very promising results. Nevertheless, adverse events, and especially immune-related adverse events (irAEs) not reported during clinical trials, are emerging and can be life-threatening.

OBSERVATION

We report here a teachable case of a 80 year-old man, of third-degree atrioventricular block consecutive to myocarditis associated with the administration of nivolumab (anti-PD1) monotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Myocarditis occurring during ICI treatment is a rare but potentially lethal event. Daily serum troponin level seems to predict ICI-related myocarditis but interpretation could be difficult in the context of associated myositis. Echocardiography and cardiac MRI are also useful but can remain negative. Electrocardiogram is a cornerstone of myocarditis diagnosis. In case of cardiac involvement, continuous heart rhythm monitoring should be performed in addition to the administration of high-dose corticosteroids therapy and the cessation of ICI therapy. Add-on treatments should be discussed with a well-trained multidisciplinary team.

Cardiotoxicity from immune checkpoint inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has greatly improved treatment of various advanced cancers but increasing use of ICI therapy has exposed the risk of ICI-related cardiovascular side effects. Immune checkpoints are inhibitory regulators of T cell activation and mediate T cell effector functions during physiological responses to shield from autoimmune reactions. ICI therapy for advanced cancers promotes immune activity against tumors and is applied within a broad collective of cancer patients. Widespread use of ICI therapy has revealed the burden of immune related adverse events with various organ manifestations and characteristics. Since immune checkpoints are highly relevant for maintaining myocardial homeostasis as emerging evidence implicates, inhibition of immune checkpoint pathways has been associated with various forms of cardiotoxicity in preclinical models and patients. Although ICI-related cardiotoxicity is rare, it has significant relevance due to high mortality rates. This review focuses on current knowledge about cardiac ICI-related toxicity. We summarize the most common forms and delineate incidence, presentation, and treatment. Clinical characteristics are correlated to potential underlying pathomechanisms. We outline epidemiology, risk factors, and course of disease. Recommendations for monitoring and critical diagnostic measures are specified within the context of different forms of cardiac involvement. Different therapeutic implications for suspected ICI-related cardiotoxicity and their limitations are critically summarized. We highlight current gaps of knowledge concerning the underlying pathomechanisms and clinical characteristics of ICI-related cardiotoxicity. Future challenges are depicted for optimum cardio-oncology care of patients receiving ICI therapy.