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Kawano M, Yano Y, Yamamoto A, Yasutomi E, Inoue Y, Kitadai J, Yoshida R, Matsuura T, Shiomi Y, Ueda Y, Kodama Y. Risk Factors for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Liver Injury and the Significance of Liver Biopsy. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:815. [PMID: 38667461 PMCID: PMC11049019 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14080815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced liver injury (LI) is a common adverse event, but the clinical characteristics based on the classification of hepatocellular injury and cholestatic types are not fully evaluated. This study aims to analyze risk factors and histological findings in relation to the classification of ICI-induced LI. In total, 254 ICI-induced LI patients among 1086 treated with ICIs between September 2014 and March 2022 were classified according to the diagnostic criteria for drug-induced LI (DILI), and their risk factors and outcomes were evaluated. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that overall survival in patients with hepatocellular-injury-type LI was significantly longer than others (p < 0.05). Regarding pre-treatment factors, the lymphocyte count was significantly higher in patients with ICI-induced LI, especially in hepatocellular-injury-type LI. Gamma glutamyl transferase (γGTP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were also significantly lower in patients with ICI-induced LI (p < 0.05). Multivariate analyses revealed that malignant melanoma, high lymphocyte count, and low ALP levels were extracted as factors contributing to hepatocellular-injury-type LI. The histological findings among 37 patients diagnosed as ICI-induced LI via liver biopsy also revealed that the spotty/focal necrosis was significantly frequent in hepatocellular-injury-type LI, whereas ductular reactions were frequently observed in cholestatic-type LI. It is suggested that the histological inflammation pattern in patients with LI is closely correlated with the type of DILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Kawano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.K.); (A.Y.); (Y.I.); (J.K.); (R.Y.); (T.M.); (Y.S.); (Y.U.); (Y.K.)
| | - Yoshihiko Yano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.K.); (A.Y.); (Y.I.); (J.K.); (R.Y.); (T.M.); (Y.S.); (Y.U.); (Y.K.)
| | - Atsushi Yamamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.K.); (A.Y.); (Y.I.); (J.K.); (R.Y.); (T.M.); (Y.S.); (Y.U.); (Y.K.)
| | - Eiichiro Yasutomi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hyogo Prefectural Kakogawa Medical Center, Kakogawa 675-8555, Japan;
| | - Yuta Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.K.); (A.Y.); (Y.I.); (J.K.); (R.Y.); (T.M.); (Y.S.); (Y.U.); (Y.K.)
| | - Jun Kitadai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.K.); (A.Y.); (Y.I.); (J.K.); (R.Y.); (T.M.); (Y.S.); (Y.U.); (Y.K.)
| | - Ryutaro Yoshida
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.K.); (A.Y.); (Y.I.); (J.K.); (R.Y.); (T.M.); (Y.S.); (Y.U.); (Y.K.)
| | - Takanori Matsuura
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.K.); (A.Y.); (Y.I.); (J.K.); (R.Y.); (T.M.); (Y.S.); (Y.U.); (Y.K.)
| | - Yuuki Shiomi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.K.); (A.Y.); (Y.I.); (J.K.); (R.Y.); (T.M.); (Y.S.); (Y.U.); (Y.K.)
| | - Yoshihide Ueda
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.K.); (A.Y.); (Y.I.); (J.K.); (R.Y.); (T.M.); (Y.S.); (Y.U.); (Y.K.)
| | - Yuzo Kodama
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.K.); (A.Y.); (Y.I.); (J.K.); (R.Y.); (T.M.); (Y.S.); (Y.U.); (Y.K.)
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Sato K, Inoue J, Ninomiya M, Iwata T, Sano A, Tsuruoka M, Onuki M, Sawahashi S, Ouchi K, Masamune A. Effectiveness of tacrolimus in a case of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced hepatotoxicity that was refractory to steroids and mycophenolate mofetil. Clin J Gastroenterol 2023; 16:720-725. [PMID: 37480423 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-023-01832-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) sometimes induce immune-mediated hepatotoxicity (IMH), and corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) are recommended for the treatment of IMH. However, there is no consensus on the treatment of IMH refractory to these drugs. Here, we report a case of refractory IMH that was successfully treated with tacrolimus. A 69-year-old man presented with liver injury after receiving durvalumab, an ICI, for lung cancer. He was diagnosed with IMH and received corticosteroids including methylprednisolone pulses and MMF, but his liver damage did not improve. Liver histology showed infiltration of inflammatory cells, mainly CD8 + T cells, in the portal area. Tacrolimus was added to corticosteroid and MMF to suppress mainly T cells. After the tacrolimus administration, the liver damage promptly improved. Since IMH is thought to be caused by activated CD8 + T-cell infiltration, T-cell suppression may be an effective treatment. This case suggests that tacrolimus may be an effective option for IMH refractory to corticosteroids or MMF if CD8 + T-cell infiltration is confirmed in the liver tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Jun Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Masashi Ninomiya
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Iwata
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Sano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Mio Tsuruoka
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Masazumi Onuki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Satoko Sawahashi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Keishi Ouchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
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Yamamoto T, Mizuno K, Ito T, Yokoyama S, Yamamoto K, Imai N, Ishizu Y, Honda T, Ishikawa T, Kanamori A, Yasuda S, Toyoda H, Yokota K, Hase T, Nishio N, Maeda O, Ishii M, Sone M, Ando Y, Akiyama M, Ishigami M, Kawashima H. Abdominal pain accompanied by elevated serum inflammatory markers and biliary enzymes for diagnosing immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced sclerosing cholangitis. Invest New Drugs 2023:10.1007/s10637-023-01366-3. [PMID: 37171720 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-023-01366-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Immune-related sclerosing cholangitis (irSC) is relatively rare and its clinical characteristics are not well known. In this study, we aimed to summarize the clinical features of irSC. Clinical data were collected retrospectively from 1,393 patients with advanced malignancy treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) between August 2014 and October 2021. We analyzed patients with immune-related adverse events of liver injury (liver-irAEs) and compared irSC and non-irSC groups. Sixty-seven patients (4.8%) had a liver-irAE (≥ grade 3) during the follow-up period (median, 262 days). Among these, irSC was observed in eight patients (11.9%). All patients in the irSC group were treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. Compared with the non-irSC group, the irSC group showed mainly non-hepatocellular liver injury (87.5 % vs 50.8 %, P = 0.065), and had elevated serum inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP and NLR) and biliary enzymes (e.g., GGTP and ALP) at the onset of liver-irAEs. Furthermore, most patients with irSC had abdominal pain. In the non-irSC group, the liver injury of 23 patients improved only with the discontinuation of ICIs, and 22 patients improved with medication including prednisolone (PSL). Conversely, almost all patients (n=7) in the irSC group were treated with PSL, but only two patients experienced an improvement in liver injury. We found that irSC is characterized by a non-hepatocellular type of liver injury with abdominal pain and a high inflammatory response and is refractory to treatment. Further examination by imaging is recommended to detect intractable irSC in cases with these characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Mizuno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takanori Ito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Shinya Yokoyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kenta Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Norihiro Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoji Ishizu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Honda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takuya Ishikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Kanamori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Kenji Yokota
- Department of Dermatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tetsunari Hase
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naoki Nishio
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Osamu Maeda
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Makoto Ishii
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Michihiko Sone
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuichi Ando
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masashi Akiyama
- Department of Dermatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ishigami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kawashima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Miah A, Tinoco G, Zhao S, Wei L, Johns A, Patel S, Li M, Grogan M, Lopez G, Husain M, Hoyd R, Mumtaz K, Meara A, Bertino EM, Kendra K, Spakowicz D, Otterson GA, Presley CJ, Owen DH. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced hepatitis injury: risk factors, outcomes, and impact on survival. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:2235-2242. [PMID: 36070148 PMCID: PMC10191203 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04340-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are associated with a unique set of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Few studies have evaluated the risk factors and outcomes of patients who develop ICI-induced hepatitis (ICIH). METHODS We utilized an institutional database of patients with advanced cancers treated with ICI to identify patients with ICIH. irAEs were graded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from the date of ICI to death from any cause or the date of the last follow-up. OS with 95% confidence intervals were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and stratified by the occurrence of ICIH. RESULTS We identified 1096 patients treated with ICI. The most common ICIs were PD1/L1 (n = 774) and CTLA-4 inhibitors (n = 195). ICIH occurred among 64 (6%) patients: severity was < grade 3 in 30 and ≥ grade 3 in 24 patients (3.1% overall). Median time to ICIH was 63 days. ICIH was more frequent in women (p = 0.038), in patients treated with combination ICIs (p < 0.001), and when given as first-line therapy (p = 0.018). Occurrence of ICIH was associated with significantly longer OS, median 37.0 months (95% CI 21.4, NR) compared to 11.3 months (95% CI 10, 13, p < 0.001); there was no difference in OS between patients with ≥ grade 3 ICIH vs grade 1-2. CONCLUSIONS Female sex, combination immunotherapy, and the first line of immunotherapy were associated with ICIH. Patients with ICIH had improved clinical survival compared to those that did not develop ICIH. There is a need for prospective further studies to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Miah
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Gabriel Tinoco
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Songzhu Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lai Wei
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Andrew Johns
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Sandip Patel
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Mingjia Li
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Madison Grogan
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Gabrielle Lopez
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Marium Husain
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Rebecca Hoyd
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Khalid Mumtaz
- Division of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alexa Meara
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Erin M Bertino
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Kari Kendra
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Daniel Spakowicz
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Gregory A Otterson
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Carolyn J Presley
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Dwight H Owen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1240C, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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Nogami A, Wada N, Muraoka E, Iwaki M, Kobayashi T, Matsumura M, Kato I, Fujii S, Nakajima A, Yoneda M. Mortality associated with the development of acute liver failure after a single dose of nivolumab. Clin J Gastroenterol 2023; 16:464-469. [PMID: 37076635 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-023-01789-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
AIM Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors are reported in all organs; however, the frequency of liver injury is low compared to irAEs in other organs. We describe a case of fulminant hepatitis after administration of the first dose of nivolumab for the management of esophageal cancer. METHODS A man in his 80s was treated with nivolumab as a second-line therapy after his overall health worsened during preoperative chemotherapy for esophageal cancer. He was admitted to the hospital as an emergency case 30 days later with complaints of vomiting, following which acute liver failure was diagnosed. RESULTS The patient developed hepatic encephalopathy on the third day after admission and died on the seventh day. The pathological results showed sub-extensive spread hepatocellular necrosis throughout the liver, and immunostaining confirmed the presence of CD8-positive cells, which is consistent with irAEs. CONCLUSIONS Immune checkpoint inhibitors have proven to be effective for the treatment of malignant tumors, and although fatalities due to acute liver failure are extremely rare, such cases have been reported previously. Among the immune checkpoint inhibitors, anti-programmed death-1 receptor is associated with less hepatotoxicity. However, even a single dose of this treatment can cause acute liver failure, which could be fatal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Nogami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Naohiro Wada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Erika Muraoka
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Michihiro Iwaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Takashi Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Mai Matsumura
- Department of Pathology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ikuma Kato
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fujii
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Masato Yoneda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan.
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Haraguchi M, Nakao Y, Narita S, Matsumoto K, Fukushima M, Sasaki R, Honda T, Miuma S, Miyaaki H, Nakao K. Peripheral lymphocyte fluctuation as an indicator of severe immune-related adverse events in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Cancer Med 2023; 12:10636-10646. [PMID: 36934436 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have proven to be effective treatments for various cancers, but can also elicit immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Given that severe irAEs can be life-threatening, biomarkers that can predict the occurrence of irAEs are of paramount importance. ICIs affect the dynamics of lymphocytes, and alterations in these dynamics may play a role in the development and severity of irAEs. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between irAEs and changes in lymphocyte counts. METHODS Information on irAEs was collected from 226 ICI cases from 2014 to 2020. We compared lymphocyte counts before treatment and at the onset of irAE and investigated the association between lymphocyte count fluctuations and the presence and severity of irAE, the course after steroid treatment, and overall survival. RESULTS Of the 226 cases, 27 patients developed grade 3 or higher irAE. Compared to the other groups, the lymphocyte count in this group was significantly decreased at the time of irAE (p < 0.01). There was a trend toward a rapid increase in lymphocyte count in the steroid responder group compared to the non-responder group. Regarding overall survival, patients with irAE had significantly longer survival than those without irAE (p = 0.0025). However, there was no association between changes in lymphocyte count and survival in patients with irAE. CONCLUSION The percentage change in lymphocyte count was found to correlate with the incidence of severe irAEs. Close monitoring of the patient's condition is crucial when the lymphocyte count decreases during ICI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Haraguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Nakao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Syouhei Narita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kousuke Matsumoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masanori Fukushima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Ryu Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takuya Honda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Miuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hisamitsu Miyaaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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7
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Yoshio S. Toward the establishment of guidelines for the treatment of steroid-refractory immune-related hepatotoxicity. JGH Open 2023; 7:85-86. [PMID: 36852152 PMCID: PMC9958331 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sachiyo Yoshio
- Department of Liver Diseases The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Ichikawa Japan
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8
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Yamamoto T, Morooka H, Ito T, Ishigami M, Mizuno K, Yokoyama S, Yamamoto K, Imai N, Ishizu Y, Honda T, Yokota K, Hase T, Maeda O, Hashimoto N, Ando Y, Akiyama M, Kawashima H. Clustering using unsupervised machine learning to stratify the risk of immune-related liver injury. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 38:251-258. [PMID: 36302734 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Immune-related liver injury (liver-irAE) is a clinical problem with a potentially poor prognosis. METHODS We retrospectively collected clinical data from patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors between September 2014 and December 2021 at the Nagoya University Hospital. Using an unsupervised machine learning method, the Gaussian mixture model, to divide the cohort into clusters based on inflammatory markers, we investigated the cumulative incidence of liver-irAEs in these clusters. RESULTS This study included a total of 702 patients. Among them, 492 (70.1%) patients were male, and the mean age was 66.6 years. During the mean follow-up period of 423 days, severe liver-irAEs (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade ≥ 3) occurred in 43 patients. Patients were divided into five clusters (a, b, c, d, and e). The cumulative incidence of liver-irAE was higher in cluster c than in cluster a (hazard ratio [HR]: 13.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.70-108.76, P = 0.014), and overall survival was worse in clusters c and d than in cluster a (HR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.77-4.50, P < 0.001; HR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.47-5.60, P = 0.002, respectively). Clusters c and d were characterized by high temperature, C-reactive protein, platelets, and low albumin. However, there were differences in the prevalence of neutrophil count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and liver metastases between both clusters. CONCLUSIONS The combined assessment of multiple markers and body temperature may help stratify high-risk groups for developing liver-irAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hikaru Morooka
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takanori Ito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ishigami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Mizuno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinya Yokoyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kenta Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Norihiro Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoji Ishizu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Honda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kenji Yokota
- Department of Dermatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tetsunari Hase
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Osamu Maeda
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naozumi Hashimoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuichi Ando
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masashi Akiyama
- Department of Dermatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kawashima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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9
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Chen K, He J, Xu J, Chen J. Effectiveness of immunosuppressant use for the treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced liver injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1088741. [PMID: 37035152 PMCID: PMC10080119 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1088741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immune-mediated liver injury caused by checkpoint inhibitors (ILICI) is a challenging clinical management issue. Although immunosuppressants are widely used to manage ILICI, no large-scale studies have proved definitive evidence for the most effective form of patient management. Aim Analysis of the effectiveness of immunosuppression for immune-related liver injury. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical outcomes of immunosuppressive treatment of ILICI patients. A literature search of PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane Library was completed for dates from 2000 to January 1, 2022. The primary outcome was the response rate to immunosuppressive therapy for ILICI, with subgroup analysis based on the type of cancer, immune checkpoint inhibitor regimen, and severity of liver injury. The secondary outcome was the median time to recovery from ILICI with immunosuppressive therapy. Results A total of 30 studies that included 1120 patients were collected. The pooled ILICI response rate was 79% (95% CI 0.73-0.84) for treatment with corticosteroids and 93% (95% CI 0.79-1.0) for treatment with mycophenolate mofetil. For ILICI treated with corticosteroids, the median recovery time was 47.59 (95% CI 39.79-55.40) days compared to 37.74 (95% CI 31.12-44.35) days for all forms of immunosuppression. Conclusion Findings support the effectiveness of corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of ILICI. The identified median time to recovery is a beneficial guide for patients and physicians, allowing for realistic expectations and appropriate treatment management. Future prospective randomized controlled trials are required to define a standardized management approach to immunosuppressive therapy of ILICI. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022313454.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kefan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junhao He
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Chen,
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10
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Bessone F, Bjornsson ES. Checkpoint inhibitor-induced hepatotoxicity: Role of liver biopsy and management approach. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:1269-1276. [PMID: 36158917 PMCID: PMC9376772 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i7.1269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunological checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized therapy of many different malignanices. Concomitant immune-mediated adverse effects are common and can affect many organs such as the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal and endocrine organs as well as the liver. Liver injury has been reported in 3%-8% of patients with grade III-IV hepatitis in retrospective studies. The liver injury is characterized by hepatocellular injury resembling autoimmune hepatitis biochemically but not immunologically as patients with ICI induced hepatoxicity rarely have auto-antibodies or IgG elevation. The role for liver biopsy (LB) in patients with suspected liver injury due to ICIs is controversial and it is not clear whether results of a LB will change clinical management. LB can be helpful when there is diagnostic uncertainty and pre-existing liver disease is suspected. Although there are no distinctive histological features, the finding of granulomas and endothelitis may suggest a specific type of hepatitis induced by ICIs. The natural history of hepatotoxicity of ICI therapy is not well known. Recent studies have demonstrated that 33%-50% of patients improve spontaneously with discontinuation of ICIs. In patients with jaundice and/or coagulopathy corticosteroids are used. The high doses of corticosteroids with 1-2 mg/kg/d of methylprednisolone recommended by the oncological societies are controversial. Recently it has shown that initial treatment with 1 mg/kg/d provided similar liver tests improvement which was also associated with a reduced risk of steroid-induced adverse effects in comparison with higher-dose regimens. Secondary immunosuppression mostly with mycophenolate mofetil has been reported to be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Bessone
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Hospital Provincial del Centenario, University of Rosario School of Medicine, Rosario 2000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Einar Stefan Bjornsson
- Department of Gastroenterology, Natl Univ Hosp Iceland, Sect Gastroenterol & Hepatol, Dept Internal Med, Hringbraut 11D, IS-101 Reykjavik, Iceland
- Landspitali University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik Postal code 101, State of Reykjavik, Iceland
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11
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Yamamoto T, Ito T, Mizuno K, Shinya Y, Yamamoto K, Imai N, Ishizu Y, Honda T, Kawashima H, Matsui T, Hase T, Hashimoto N, Ishigami M. A case of antiprogrammed death-ligand 1 antibody-induced multisystem immune-related adverse events with pancreatitis and steroid-resistant sclerosing cholangitis. J Dig Dis 2022; 23:404-409. [PMID: 35962644 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takanori Ito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Mizuno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yokoyama Shinya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kenta Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Norihiro Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoji Ishizu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takashi Honda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kawashima
- Department of Endoscopy, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Toshinori Matsui
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tetsunari Hase
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Naozumi Hashimoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ishigami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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12
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Drug-induced bile duct injury can be caused by a long list of agents. In most cases, damage is because of T-cell-mediated idiosyncratic reactions. Recently, a number of new agents, including not only drugs but also herbal supplements, have been incriminated and new mechanisms of bile duct injury have emerged. This review will focus on these new data. RECENT FINDINGS New members of drug families already known to be responsible for bile duct injury have been incriminated. New players have been identified, such as herbal supplements, like kratom, and recreational drugs, such as ketamine used outside the medical setting. Anticytokine monoclonal antibodies are rarely involved. In contrast, antineoplastic treatments are of growing concern, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors, which induce immune-related adverse effects because of the excessive stimulation of the immune system and its lack of regulation. SUMMARY Two patterns of bile duct injury are recognized. Drug-induced small-duct cholangiopathies target the smaller bile ducts; acute injuries eventually progress to chronic disease in the form of the vanishing bile duct syndrome. Drug-induced sclerosing cholangitis target large bile ducts, with a protracted chronic course; the onset of symptoms may be delayed after drug discontinuation; potentially severe, life-threatening complications can occur.
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13
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Kataoka S, Moriguchi M, Okishio S, Takahashi A, Okuda K, Seko Y, Umemura A, Yamaguchi K, Miyagawa-Hayashino A, Itoh Y. Re-administration of nivolumab after immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced cholangitis: the first reported case. Clin J Gastroenterol 2022; 15:467-474. [PMID: 35201598 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-022-01590-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) cause various immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We encountered a patient in whom nivolumab was re-administered effectively and safely treat laryngeal cancer after nivolumab-induced cholangitis. A 60-year-old man with metastatic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma received 3rd-line treatment with nivolumab. After the 8th cycle of chemotherapy, laboratory tests revealed grade 3 elevations of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase. Computed tomography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed diffuse hypertrophy, dilation of bile ducts, and intrahepatic bile ducts with irregular walls and mild stenosis. The histologic findings of a liver biopsy revealed portal inflammation and cholangitis, mainly composed of T cell infiltration. We diagnosed nivolumab-induced cholangitis and administered 30 mg of prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg) and ursodeoxycholic acid (600 mg) per day. Although we initiated 4th-line cytotoxic anticancer drug after the cholangitis improved, the laryngeal cancer progressed rapidly. Based on the improvement in hematologic parameters, radiologic imaging, and pathologic findings, we cautiously restarted nivolumab. During the 30 months after re-administration of nivolumab, the cholangitis did not recur and the disease was well-controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seita Kataoka
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan.
| | - Michihisa Moriguchi
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Shinya Okishio
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Aya Takahashi
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Okuda
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yuya Seko
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Atushi Umemura
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Kanji Yamaguchi
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Aya Miyagawa-Hayashino
- Departoment of Surgical Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yoshito Itoh
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
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14
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Björnsson ES, Vucic V, Stirnimann G, Robles-Díaz M. Role of Corticosteroids in Drug-Induced Liver Injury. A Systematic Review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:820724. [PMID: 35222034 PMCID: PMC8867035 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.820724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Apart from cessation of the implicated agent leading to drug-induced liver injury (DILI), there is no standard therapy for DILI. Corticosteroids have been used in DILI, although their efficacy is unclear. Published data showed either beneficial effects or no improvement associated with steroid therapy. The aim of the current study was to perform a systematic review of the role of corticosteroids in the treatment of DILI. Methods: A search was performed in PubMed, searching for the terms: “corticosteroids” and “drug-induced liver injury”. Observation studies were included, but case reports excluded. Results: A total of 24 papers were retrieved. Most of these were observational studies on the effects of corticosteroids in moderate/severe DILI (n = 8), reports on the corticosteroid treatment in patients with drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis (DI-AIH) (n = 5), and effects of corticosteroids in drug-induced fulminant acute liver failure (ALF, n = 2). Furthermore, treatment of corticosteroids in patients with liver injury due to check point inhibitors (CPIs) was addressed in nine studies. In moderate/severe DILI, six out of eight studies suggested steroid treatment to be beneficial, whereas two studies showed negative results. All five observational studies on the effects of corticosteroids in DI-AIH showed good therapeutic response with rapid and long lasting effects after discontinuation of corticosteroids and without evidence of relapse. Steroid therapy was not associated with improved overall survival in patients with drug-induced fulminant ALF. CPIs-induced liver injury was found to improve spontaneously in 33–50% without corticosteroids, and the rate of patients who were treated responded to steroids in 33–100% (mean 72%). Conclusions: The majority of studies analyzing the effects of corticosteroids in moderate/severe DILI have demonstrated beneficial effects. However, this was not the case in drug-induced fulminant ALF. Patients with DI-AIH had an excellent response to corticosteroids. The majority of those with CPIs-induced liver injury responded to corticosteroids; however, patients without treatment usually recovered spontaneously. The observational design and comparison with historical controls in these studies makes it very difficult to draw conclusions on the efficacy of corticosteroids in DILI. Therefore, there is a strong need for a randomized controlled trial to properly assess the role of corticosteroids in DILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einar S. Björnsson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Gastroenterology, Landspitali University Hospital Reykjavik, Reykjavik, Iceland
- *Correspondence: Einar S. Björnsson,
| | - Vesna Vucic
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry and Dietology, Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, National Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Guido Stirnimann
- Hepatology, Departement for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University Hospital Inselspital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mercedes Robles-Díaz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Málaga, Spain
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