Immune checkpoint inhibitors-induced autoimmunity: The impact of gender

Women patients with small-cell lung cancer using immunotherapy in a real-world cohort achieved long-term survival

BACKGROUND

Usage of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has prolonged the overall survival (OS) of patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). In clinical trials, males accounted for a large proportion, leading to the uncertainty of its efficacy in female patients. We therefore conducted this study to explore the efficacy and safety of using ICIs in female patients with ES-SCLC.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled female SCLC patients and subdivided them into two groups. Group A (n = 40) was defined as ES-SCLC patients who received first-line standard chemotherapy with or without ICIs. Group B (n = 47) included relapsed SCLC patients who were administered with second-line therapies. Kaplan-Meier methodology was used to calculate survival analysis. Chi-squared tests were used to analyze the incidence of adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

Median progression-free survival (PFS) and median OS favored the ICI-contained cohorts (Group A PFS: 8.3 vs. 6.1 months; OS: not reached vs. 11.3 months; Group B PFS: 15.1 vs. 3.3 months; OS: 35.3 vs. 8.3 months), especially in those patients who received second-line immunotherapies. Patients who received immunotherapy had a slightly higher incidence rate of grade ≥3 AEs (Group A: 71.4% vs. 46.2%; Group B: 44.5% vs. 13.2%). Those who developed grade ≥3 AEs in first-line ICIs cohort had a more favorable survival (PFS: 8.3 vs. 3.2 months; OS: not reached vs. 5.1 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that female ES-SCLC patients treated with immunotherapy tended to achieve a relatively longer survival. The incidence of AEs (grade ≥3) was higher in women patients receiving ICIs, which requires monitoring more closely.

Therapeutic and immunomodulatory potentials of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and immune checkpoints related molecules

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are used in many studies due to their therapeutic potential, including their differentiative ability and immunomodulatory properties. These cells perform their therapeutic functions by using various mechanisms, such as the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, direct cell-to-cell contact, extracellular vesicles (EVs) production, and mitochondrial transfer. However, mechanisms related to immune checkpoints (ICPs) and their effect on the immunomodulatory ability of MSCs are less discussed. The main function of ICPs is to prevent the initiation of unwanted responses and to regulate the immune system responses to maintain the homeostasis of these responses. ICPs are produced by various types of immune system regulatory cells, and defects in their expression and function may be associated with excessive responses that can ultimately lead to autoimmunity. Also, by expressing different types of ICPs and their ligands (ICPLs), tumor cells prevent the formation and durability of immune responses, which leads to tumors' immune escape. ICPs and ICPLs can be produced by MSCs and affect immune cell responses both through their secretion into the microenvironment or direct cell-to-cell interaction. Pre-treatment of MSCs in inflammatory conditions leads to an increase in their therapeutic potential. In addition to the effect that inflammatory environments have on the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines by MSCs, they can increase the expression of various types of ICPLs. In this review, we discuss different types of ICPLs and ICPs expressed by MSCs and their effect on their immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential.

Thyroid dysfunction (TD) induced by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in advanced lung cancer

Background

Thyroid Dysfunction (TD) is a common immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in the treatment of advanced lung cancer with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed death 1 ligand (PD-L1) inhibitors, with incidence accounting for 6-8% of all irAEs. The incidence of TD is receiving increasing attention from clinicians, given its potential impact on clinical efficacy. However, the molecular mechanisms, biomarkers, and clinical impact of TD resulting from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment in advanced lung cancer are unclear.

Objective

To present a comprehensive review of current advancements in research about the molecular mechanisms, influential factors, and clinical manifestations in the treatment of advanced lung cancer with PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors, as well as the correlation between TD and the efficacy of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase and Google Scholar databases, with the keywords including thyroid dysfunction, efficacy, mechanisms, immune checkpoint inhibitors, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, and advanced lung cancer.

Results

PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors can induce T cell-mediated destructive thyroiditis, thyroid autoantibody-mediated autoimmunity, and a decrease in the number of immunosuppressive monocytes (circulating cluster of differentiation (CD)14+ human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRlow/negatives monocytes, CD14+ HLA-DR + lo/neg), leading to TD. Several factors, including peripheral blood inflammatory markers, body mass index (BMI), baseline thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level, gender, smoking history, hypertension, and previous opioid use, may also contribute to the development of TD. However, there is currently a lack of reliable predictive biomarkers for TD, although anti-thyroid antibodies, TSH levels, and peripheral blood inflammatory markers are expected to be predictive.Interestingly, some studies suggested a positive correlation between TD and clinical efficacy, i.e., patients experiencing TD showed better outcomes in objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), compared with those without TD. However, most of these studies were single-center and had small sample sizes, so more multi-center studies are needed to provide further data support.

Conclusion

TD resulting from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment in advanced lung cancer may be associated with good clinical outcomes. The clarification of the molecular mechanisms underlying TD and the identification of reliable predictive biomarkers will guide clinicians in managing TD in this patient population.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors break whose heart? Perspectives from cardio-immuno-oncology

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibody antagonists, which can block cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed death-1/ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathways, and other molecules exploited by tumor cells to evade T cell-mediated immune response. ICIs have transformed the treatment landscape for various cancers due to their amazing efficacy. Many anti-tumor therapies, including targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, combine ICIs to make the treatment more effective. However, the off-target immune activation caused by ICIs may lead to a broad spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) affecting multiple organ systems. Among irAEs, cardiotoxicity induced by ICIs, uncommon but fatal, has greatly offset survival benefits from ICIs, which is heartbreaking for both patients and clinicians. Consequently, such cardiotoxicity requires special vigilance, and it has become a common challenge both for patients and clinicians. This article reviewed the clinical manifestations and influence of cardiotoxicity from the view of patients and clinicians, elaborated on the underlying mechanisms in conjunction with animal studies, and then attempted to propose management strategies from a cardio-immuno-oncology multidisciplinary perspective.

Risk factors for immune-related adverse effects during CPI therapy in patients with head and neck malignancies - a single center study

Introduction

Checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD1 inhibitors, represent an important pillar in the therapy of advanced malignancies of the head and neck region. The most relevant complications are immune-related adverse effects (irAEs), which represent an immense burden for patients. Currently, no sufficient stratification measures are available to identify patients at increased risk of irAEs. The aim of this retrospective study was to examine whether demographic, histopathological, clinical, or laboratory values at the start of CPI therapy represent a risk factor for the later occurrence of autoimmune complications.

Material and methods

Data from 35 patients between 2018 and 2021 who received therapy with nivolumab or pembrolizumab for head and neck malignancy were analyzed and assessed for any associations with the subsequent occurrence of irAEs.

Results

IrAE developed in 37% of patients, with pneumonitis being the most common form (14%). Pneumonitis was found in patients with an average significantly lower T-stage of primary tumors. An increase in basophilic leukocytes was found in patients with dermatitis later in the course. When thyroiditis developed later, the patients had a higher CPS score and lower monocyte levels.

Discussion

Even though individual laboratory values at the beginning of therapy might show a statistical association with the later occurrence of irAEs, neither demographic, histopathological, nor laboratory chemistry values seem to be able to generate a sound and reliable risk profile for this type of complication. Therefore, patients need to be educated and sensitized to irAEs, and regular screening for irAEs should be carried out.

Gender oncology: recommendations and consensus of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM)

BACKGROUND

Following the development of gender medicine in the past 20 years, more recently in the field of oncology an increasing amount of evidence suggests gender differences in the epidemiology of cancers, as well as in the response and toxicity associated with therapies. In a gender approach, critical issues related to sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations must also be considered.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A working group of opinion leaders approved by the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) has been set up with the aim of drafting a shared document on gender oncology. Through the 'consensus conference' method of the RAND/University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) variant, the members of the group evaluated statements partly from the scientific literature and partly produced by the experts themselves [good practice points (GPPs)], on the following topics: (i) Healthcare organisation, (ii) Therapy, (iii) Host factors, (iv) Cancer biology, and (v) Communication and social interventions. Finally, in support of each specific topic, they considered it appropriate to present some successful case studies.

RESULTS

A total of 42 articles met the inclusion criteria, from which 50 recommendations were extracted. Panel participants were given the opportunity to propose additional evidence from studies not included in the research results, from which 32 statements were extracted, and to make recommendations not derived from literature such as GPPs, four of which have been developed. After an evaluation of relevance by the panel, it was found that 81 recommendations scored >7, while 3 scored between 4 and 6.9, and 2 scored below 4.

CONCLUSIONS

This consensus and the document compiled thereafter represent an attempt to evaluate the available scientific evidence on the theme of gender oncology and to suggest standard criteria both for scientific research and for the care of patients in clinical practice that should take gender into account.

Assessment of Variables Related to the Risk of Severe Adverse Events in Cutaneous Melanoma Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Malignant melanoma is a prevalent and aggressive cancer, with globally increasing incidences. While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have prolonged the survival of patients with advanced melanoma over the last decade, this improvement comes with the risk of severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs). This systematic review investigates patient baseline characteristics (BCs) as predictive factors for developing severe gastrointestinal, hepatic, and pulmonary irAEs in patients treated with ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) and/or nivolumab/pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1). A systematic literature search was conducted in the Ovid databases MEDLINE and EMBASE on 22 April 2022, following the PRISMA guidelines. Out of 1694 articles, 13 were included in the final analysis. We analyzed BCs and the occurrence of severe colitis, hepatitis, and pneumonitis in 22 treatment arms and 3 treatment groups: anti-CTLA-4 (n = 2904), anti-PD-1 (n = 1301), or combination therapy (n = 822). However, missing data preclude a direct comparison of individual BCs and the association to specific irAEs between studies. Descriptive analysis did not identify any significant association between median age, gender distribution, or performance status and severe colitis, hepatitis, or pneumonitis for any of the three treatment groups. We call for greater transparency and standardization in the reporting of patient-specific irAEs.

Key Determinants of Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions to Oncology Drugs

To overcome the epidemiological severity of cancer, developing effective treatments is urgently required. In response, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been revealed as a promising resolution for treatment-resistant cancers across the world. Yet, they have both advantages and disadvantages, bringing therapeutic benefits while simultaneously inducing toxicity, and in particular, immune-mediated adverse drug reactions (imADRs), to the human body. These imADRs can be pathogenic and sometimes lethal, hampering health prediction and monitoring following the provision of ICI treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to collectively identify the determinant factors that contribute to these imADRs induced by ICIs. This article evaluated treatment-, tumor-, and patient-related determinants, and indicated a research gap for future investigations on the pathogenic mechanism of imADRs and translational conversion of determinants into clinical biomarkers to aid pharmacovigilance and cancer therapies.

Severe thyrotoxicosis induced by tislelizumab: a case report and literature review

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made significant breakthroughs in the treatment of a variety of malignancies. As its use increases, the unique immune-mediated toxicity profile of ICls are becoming apparent. We report a case of immune-related endocrine adverse events (irAE) in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) (tislelizumab). Although many irAEs have been reported, few cases of severe thyrotoxicosis have been described after immunotherapy in the literature. We present the case of a 49-year-old male who experienced a Grade 3 tislelizumab-related adverse reaction according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE5.0) and received methylprednisolone, thiamazole, and levothyroxine sodium tablets. Early identification of irAEs, risk factors, regular monitoring, use of steroids and/or immunoglobulins, and adjuvant supportive care are critical to the clinical prognosis of patients. It should be underlined that the tumor benefits of ICI therapy outweigh the risks associated with ICI-induced endocrine disorders, and ICI treatment should not be stopped or delayed except in rare cases (adrenal crisis, severe thyrotoxicosis). The familiarity of healthcare professionals with irAEs of the thyroid when thyrotoxicosis occurs is important to facilitate an effective diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this increasingly common thyroid disorder.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced (Type 3) Autoimmune Pancreatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized cancer care and work primarily by blocking CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4), and/or PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1), and/or PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1), thereby providing highly efficacious anti-tumor activity. However, this unmitigated immune response can also trigger immune related adverse events (irAEs) in multiple organs, with pancreatic irAEs (now referred to as type 3 Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) being infrequent.

RECENT FINDINGS

Type 3 AIP is a drug-induced, immune mediated progressive inflammatory disease of the pancreas that may have variable clinical presentations viz., an asymptomatic pancreatic enzyme elevation, incidental imaging evidence of pancreatitis, painful pancreatitis, or any combination of these subtypes. Management is largely supportive with intravenous fluid hydration, pain control and holding the inciting medication. Steroids have not been shown to demonstrate a clear benefit in acute management. A rapid development pancreatic atrophy is observed on imaging as early as 1 year post initial injury. Type 3 AIP is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pancreas that though predominantly asymptomatic and mild in severity can lead to rapid organ volume loss regardless of type of clinical presentation and despite steroid therapy.

Toxicity, disease management and outcome of treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors by sex in patients with cancer and preexisting autoimmune disease

Female sex is associated with a higher risk for autoimmune diseases (ADs) and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). While the safety of ICIs in AD cohorts has been reported, sex-segregated data on patient characteristics and outcomes are lacking. In the present study, the disease and treatment characteristics of 51 patients with cancer and preexisting AD (PAD) treated with ICIs at Bern University Hospital Cancer Center (Bern, Switzerland) between January 2017 and June 2021 were analyzed by sex. Rheumatic (n=12/27, 44.4%) and endocrine (n=11/24, 45.8%) PADs were most common among male and female patients, respectively. At the time of ICI initiation, 29.6% (n=8/27) of male and 20.8% (n=5/24) of female patients received immunosuppression for their PAD. Female patients were more likely to experience an irAE (58.3 vs. 48.1%), and less likely to encounter an exacerbation of their PAD (38.5 vs. 14.3%) compared with male patients. Multiple-site irAEs (46.2 vs. 21.4%), implication of an organ specialist for irAEs (100.0 vs. 57.1%) and use of additional immunosuppressive drugs (38.4 vs. 7.7%) were more common in male patients. IrAEs were resolved and ICIs were discontinued in 69.2% (n=9/13) and 71.4% (n=10/14) of the total male and female patients, respectively. Median progression-free survival was higher in male than female patients with irAEs (19.9 vs. 10.7 months) and without irAEs (4.4 vs. 1.8 months). The median overall survival time was higher in male than female patients with irAEs (not estimable vs. 22.5 months) and without irAEs (10.1 vs. 7.4 months). Taken together, these results suggested that sex-related differences existed regarding the clinical presentation of irAEs and treatment outcome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the therapeutic approach to diverse malignancies, leading to substantial enhancements in patient prognosis. However, along with their benefits, ICIs also increase the incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). In the present paper, we highlight four cases of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) as an uncommon manifestation of toxicity induced by ICIs. Although diagnosed with different malignancies, the patients were undergoing ICI therapy when they developed CTS-consistent side effects accompanied by severe neuropathy. Prompt treatment with corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, or methotrexate resulted in complete symptomatic relief for all patients. This article therefore emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing rare adverse events associated with ICI use to ensure optimal patient care.

Septin-3 autoimmunity in patients with paraneoplastic cerebellar ataxia

BACKGROUND

Septins are cytoskeletal proteins with filament forming capabilities, which have multiple roles during cell division, cellular polarization, morphogenesis, and membrane trafficking. Autoantibodies against septin-5 are associated with non-paraneoplastic cerebellar ataxia, and autoantibodies against septin-7 with encephalopathy with prominent neuropsychiatric features. Here, we report on newly identified autoantibodies against septin-3 in patients with paraneoplastic cerebellar ataxia. We also propose a strategy for anti-septin autoantibody determination.

METHODS

Sera from three patients producing similar immunofluorescence staining patterns on cerebellar and hippocampal sections were subjected to immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry. The identified candidate antigens, all of which were septins, were expressed recombinantly in HEK293 cells either individually, as complexes, or combinations missing individual septins, for use in recombinant cell-based indirect immunofluorescence assays (RC-IIFA). Specificity for septin-3 was further confirmed by tissue IIFA neutralization experiments. Finally, tumor tissue sections were analyzed immunohistochemically for septin-3 expression.

RESULTS

Immunoprecipitation with rat cerebellum lysate revealed septin-3, -5, -6, -7, and -11 as candidate target antigens. Sera of all three patients reacted with recombinant cells co-expressing septin-3/5/6/7/11, while none of 149 healthy control sera was similarly reactive. In RC-IIFAs the patient sera recognized only cells expressing septin-3, individually and in complexes. Incubation of patient sera with five different septin combinations, each missing one of the five septins, confirmed the autoantibodies' specificity for septin-3. The tissue IIFA reactivity of patient serum was abolished by pre-incubation with HEK293 cell lysates overexpressing the septin-3/5/6/7/11 complex or septin-3 alone, but not with HEK293 cell lysates overexpressing septin-5 as control. All three patients had cancers (2 × melanoma, 1 × small cell lung cancer), presented with progressive cerebellar syndromes, and responded poorly to immunotherapy. Expression of septin-3 was demonstrated in resected tumor tissue available from one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Septin-3 is a novel autoantibody target in patients with paraneoplastic cerebellar syndromes. Based on our findings, RC-IIFA with HEK293 cells expressing the septin-3/5/6/7/11 complex may serve as a screening tool to investigate anti-septin autoantibodies in serological samples with a characteristic staining pattern on neuronal tissue sections. Autoantibodies against individual septins can then be confirmed by RC-IIFA expressing single septins.

Sex differences in adverse drug reactions: Are women more impacted?

Pharmacovigilance and pharmacoepidemiology studies regarding the sex difference in adverse drug reactions are numerous, and it is now a challenge to take them into account in order to increase drug safety. Here, we present an overview of this topic through data on epidemiology, mechanisms, and methods used for assessing sex differences in drug safety. Because the literature is extensive, we choose to expose a few examples of studies for cardiovascular drugs, anti-infectious, psychotropics, antidiabetics, anticancer drugs and some specific drugs to illustrate our purpose. Many studies show a higher risk in women for most of drugs involving in sex differences. However, physiological, methodological and subjective points have to be taken into account to interpret these results. Clinical trials must also enroll more women to better evaluate sex differences both in efficacy and pharmacovigilance. Nevertheless, when there is a pharmacological rationale underlying the observed association between sex and drug safety profile, it is now unavoidable to think about its consideration for a personalized prescription.

Current landscape and tailored management of immune-related adverse events

Unprecedented advances have been made in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the treatment of cancer. However, the overall benefits from ICIs are impaired by the increasing incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Although several factors and mechanisms have been proposed in the development of irAEs, there is still incomprehensive understanding of irAEs. Therefore, it is urgent to identify certain risk factors and biomarkers that predict the development of irAEs, as well as to understand the underlying mechanisms of these adverse events. Herein, we comprehensively summarize the state-of-the-art knowledge about clinical features and the related risk factors of irAEs. Particularly, we also discuss relevant mechanisms of irAEs and address the mechanism-based strategies, aiming to develop a tailored management approach for irAEs.

Germline genetic variation and predicting immune checkpoint inhibitor induced toxicity

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has revolutionised the treatment of various cancer types. ICIs reinstate T-cell function to elicit an anti-cancer immune response. The resulting immune response can however have off-target effects which manifest as autoimmune type serious immune-related adverse events (irAE) in ~10-55% of patients treated. It is currently challenging to predict both who will experience irAEs and to what severity. Identification of patients at high risk of serious irAE would revolutionise patient care. While the pathogenesis driving irAE development is still unclear, host genetic factors are proposed to be key determinants of these events. This review presents current evidence supporting the role of the host genome in determining risk of irAE. We summarise the spectrum and timing of irAEs following treatment with ICIs and describe currently reported germline genetic variation associated with expression of immuno-modulatory factors within the cancer immunity cycle, development of autoimmune disease and irAE occurrence. We propose that germline genetic determinants of host immune function and autoimmune diseases could also explain risk of irAE development. We also endorse genome-wide association studies of patients being treated with ICIs to identify genetic variants that can be used in polygenic risk scores to predict risk of irAE.

Exploring genetic and immune underpinnings of the sexual dimorphism in tumor response to immune checkpoints inhibitors: A narrative review

Introduction

In spite of the undisputed relevance of sex as critical biologic variable of the immune landscape, still limited is our understanding of the basic mechanisms implicated in sex-biased immune response thereby conditioning the therapeutic outcome in cancer patients. This hindrance delays the actual attempts to decipher the heterogeneity of cancer and its immune surveillance, further digressing the achievement of predictive biomarkers in the current immunotherapy-driven scenario. Body: The present review concisely reports on genetic, chromosomal, hormonal, and immune features underlying sex-differences in the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In addition to outline the need of robust data on ICI pharmaco-kinetics/dynamics, our survey might provide new insights on sex determinants of ICI efficacy and suggests uncovered pathways that warrant prospective investigations.

Conclusion

According to a sharable view, we propose to widely include sex among the co-variates when assessing the clinical response to ICI in cancer patients.

Sex dimorphism in the tumor microenvironment - From bench to bedside and back

Cancer represents a significant cause of death and suffering in both the developed and developing countries. Key underlying issues in the mortality of cancer are delayed diagnosis and resistance to treatments. However, improvements in biomarkers represent one important step that can be taken for alleviating the suffering caused by malignancy. Precision-based medicine is promising for revolutionizing diagnostic and treatment strategies for cancer patients worldwide. Contemporary methods, including various omics and systems biology approaches, as well as advanced digital imaging and artificial intelligence, allow more accurate assessment of tumor characteristics at the patient level. As a result, treatment strategies can be specifically tailored and adapted for individual and/or groups of patients that carry certain tumor characteristics. This includes immunotherapy, which is based on characterization of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and, more specifically, the presence and activity of immune cell subsets. Unfortunately, while it is increasingly clear that gender strongly affects immune regulation and response, there is a knowledge gap concerning differences in sex-specific immune responses and how these contribute to the immunosuppressive TME and the response to immunotherapy. In fact, sex dimorphism is poorly understood in cancer progression and is typically ignored in current clinical practice. In this review, we aim to survey the available literature and highlight the existing knowledge gap in order to encourage further studies that would contribute to understanding both gender-biased immunosuppression in the TME and the driver of tumor progression towards invasive and metastatic disease. The review highlights the need to include sex optimized/genderized medicine as a new concept in future medicine cancer diagnostics and treatments.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated new-onset primary adrenal insufficiency: a retrospective analysis using the FAERS

BACKGROUND

Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence and demographic characteristics of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated primary adrenal insufficiency (ICI-PAI) and to explore the risk factors of its clinical outcome using data from the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. All cases of new-onset or newly diagnosed primary adrenal insufficiency associated with FDA-approved ICIs from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2020 were identified and collected using FAERS. Data on age, sex category, body weight of the participating individuals, the reporting year and the prognosis of cases, and other accompanying endocrinopathies related to ICIs, were analysed.

RESULTS

The incidence of ICI-PAI was 1.03% (1180/114121). Of the 1180 cases of PAI, 46 were "confirmed PAI", and 1134 were "suspected PAI". Combination therapy with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 was related to a higher risk of PAI compared with the anti-PD-1-only group (χ² = 92.88, p < 0.001). Male and elderly individuals showed a higher risk of ICI-PAI (male vs. female, 1.17% vs. 0.94%, χ² = 12.55, p < 0.001; age < 65 vs. ≥ 65, 1.20 vs. 1.41%, χ² = 6.89, p = 0.009). The co-occurrence rate of endocrinopathies other than PAI was 24.3%, which showed a higher trend in patients on nivolumab-ipilimumab treatment than in those on PD-1 inhibitors (χ² = 3.227, p = 0.072). Body weight was negatively associated with the risk of death in the study population [p = 0.033 for the regression model; B = - 0.017, OR 0.984, 95% CI (0.969-0.998), p = 0.029].

CONCLUSION

ICI-associated PAI is a rare but important irAE. Male and elderly patients have a higher risk of ICI-PAI. Awareness among clinicians is critical when patients with a lower body weight develop PAI, which indicates a higher risk of a poor clinical outcome.

Risk Factors and Biomarkers for Immune-Related Adverse Events: A Practical Guide to Identifying High-Risk Patients and Rechallenging Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are a range of complications associated with the use of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Two major classes of ICIs widely used are Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA4) and Programmed Cell death-1 (PD-1)/Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. High-grade irAEs are life-threatening and often cause a severe decline in performance status in such that patients do not qualify for any further anticancer treatments. It is difficult to generalize the evidence in the current literature on risk factors or biomarkers for the entire class of ICIs as the studies so far are either disease-specific (e.g., lung cancer or melanoma) or ICI agent-specific (e.g., pembrolizumab, ipilimumab) or irAE-specific (e.g., pneumonitis or gastritis). In this review, risk factors and biomarkers to consider before initiating or monitoring ICI are listed with a practical purpose in day-to-day practice. Risk factors are grouped into demographics and social history, medical history, and medication history, tumor-specific and agent-specific risk factors. A higher risk of irAE is associated with age <60 years, high body mass index, women on CTLA4 and men on PD-1/PD-L1 agents, and chronic smokers. Patients with significant kidney (Stage IV-V), cardiac (heart failure, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension), and lung (asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are at a higher risk of respective organ-specific irAEs. Pre-existing autoimmune disease and chronic use of certain drugs (proton pump inhibitors, diuretics, anti-inflammatory drugs) also increase the irAE-risk. Biomarkers are categorized into circulating blood counts, cytokines, autoantibodies, HLA genotypes, microRNA, gene expression profiling, and serum proteins. The blood counts and certain protein markers (albumin and thyroid-stimulating hormone) are readily accessible in current practice. High neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, eosinophil/monocyte/lymphocyte counts; TSH and troponins at diagnosis and drop in the white count and lymphocyte count can predict irAE. Other biomarkers with limited evidence are cytokines, autoantibodies, HLA genotypes, microRNA, and gene expression profiling. With fast-expanding approvals for ICIs in various cancer types, knowledge on risk factors and biomarkers can help providers assess the irAE-risk of their patients. Prospective disease and agent-specific studies are needed to provide further insight on this essential aspect of ICI therapy.

Sex Differences in Immunity

Strong epidemiological evidence now exists that sex is an important biologic variable in immunity. Recent studies, for example, have revealed that sex differences are associated with the severity of symptoms and mortality due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Despite this evidence, much remains to be learned about the mechanisms underlying associations between sex differences and immune-mediated conditions. A growing body of experimental data has made significant inroads into understanding sex-influenced immune responses. As physicians seek to provide more targeted patient care, it is critical to understand how sex-defining factors (e.g., chromosomes, gonadal hormones) alter immune responses in health and disease. In this review, we highlight recent insights into sex differences in autoimmunity; virus infection, specifically severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection; and cancer immunotherapy. A deeper understanding of underlying mechanisms will allow the development of a sex-based approach to disease screening and treatment.

Sex differences in immune-related adverse events with immune checkpoint inhibitors: data mining of the FDA adverse event reporting system

BACKGROUND

Although immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have been reported in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, sex differences in irAEs are not known.

AIM

The present study described, evaluated and compared differences in irAEs between females and males treated with ICIs.

METHOD

irAE reports were obtained from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from January 2004 to December 2020. Disproportionality analysis and Bayesian analysis were used to explore differences in irAEs between females and males. The onset time and fatality proportion of irAEs in different ICIs between females and males were further evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 30,342 irAE cases were obtained, including 11,097 female cases and 19,245 male cases. Consistent disproportionality signals were detected in females and males, including endocrine toxicity, hepatitis, lung toxicity, nervous system toxicity, and ocular toxicity. Renal toxicity was only detected in male patients receiving ICI therapy (PRR 2.37, 95% CI: 2.25-2.51; IC: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.05-1.43). Males had a longer onset time (females 35 days [IQR 14-87] vs. males 39 days [IQR 14-92], P = 0.041) and higher fatality proportion (females 20.5% vs. males 25.6%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis revealed that males had a higher chance of exhibiting ICI-associated renal toxicity, longer median onset time and worse prognosis of irAEs than females. Greater attention to sex differences in ICI therapy is needed.

Immune-Related Adverse Events After Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Melanoma Among Older Adults

Importance

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved survival in patients with advanced melanoma but can be associated with a spectrum of immune-related adverse events (AEs), including both autoimmune-related AEs and other immune-related inflammatory AEs. These associations have primarily been evaluated in clinical trials that include highly selected patients, with older adults often underrepresented.

Objective

To evaluate the association between use of ICIs and immune-related AEs (autoimmune and other immune related) among older patients with cutaneous melanoma.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A population-based cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2015. Data were analyzed from January 31 to May 31, 2021. With use of a linked database of Medicare claims and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program population-based cancer registries, patients of White race diagnosed with stages II-IV or unknown (American Joint Committee on Cancer, AJCC Cancer Staging Manual 6th edition) first primary cutaneous melanoma during 2011-2015, as reported to SEER, and followed up through December 31, 2015, were identified.

Exposures

Immune checkpoint inhibitors for treatment of melanoma.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The association between ICIs and immune-related AEs ascertained from Medicare claims data was estimated using multivariable Cox regression with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs and with cumulative incidence accounting for competing risk of death.

Results

The study included 4489 patients of White race with first primary melanoma (3002 men [66.9%]; median age, 74.9 [range, 66.0-84.9] years). During follow-up (median, 1.4 [range, 0-5.0] years), 1576 patients (35.1%) had an immune-related AE on a Medicare claim. Use of ICIs (reported for 418 patients) was associated with autoimmune-related AEs (HR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.6-4.0), including primary adrenal insufficiency (HR, 9.9; 95% CI, 4.5-21.5) and ulcerative colitis (HR, 8.6; 95% CI, 2.8-26.3). Immune checkpoint inhibitors also were associated with other immune-related AEs (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.7-2.8), including Cushing syndrome (HR, 11.8; 95% CI, 1.4-97.2), hyperthyroidism (HR, 6.3; 95% CI, 2.0-19.5), hypothyroidism (HR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.4-6.1), hypopituitarism (HR, 19.8; 95% CI, 5.4-72.9), other pituitary gland disorders (HR, 6.0; 95% CI, 1.2-30.2), diarrhea (HR, 3.5; 95% CI, 2.5-4.9), and sepsis or septicemia (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4-3.3). Most associations were pronounced within 6 months following the first ICI claim and comparable with or without a baseline history of autoimmune disease. The cumulative incidence at 6 months following the first ICI claim was 13.7% (95% CI, 9.7%-18.3%) for autoimmune-related AEs and 46.8% (95% CI, 40.7%-52.7%) for other immune-related AEs.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of older adults with melanoma, ICIs were associated with autoimmune-related AEs and other immune-related AEs. Although some findings were consistent with clinical trials of ICIs, others warrant further investigation. As ICI use continues to expand rapidly, ongoing investigation of the spectrum of immune-related AEs may optimize management of disease in patients.

B7 immune checkpoint family members as putative therapeutics in autoimmune disease: An updated overview

Autoimmune diseases, especially among young people in the US, are one of the leading causes of morbidity and death. The immune responses are the fundamental pathogenicity of autoimmune disorders. The equilibrium between stimulatory and inhibitory signals is critical for the stimulation, migration, survival, and T cell-related immune responses. The B7 family can substantially regulate T cell-mediated immune responses. Nevertheless, recent breakthroughs in immune checkpoint blockade in cancer immunotherapy have facilitated autoimmune diseases, especially among the prone populations. In the current study, we tried to concisely review the role of the B7 family in regulating immune reactions and the influence of immune checkpoint inhibitors on autoimmunity development.

Neurologic Complications of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

The clinical use of cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors has transformed the management of cancer and added another effective treatment option for different types of malignancies. The blockade of immune checkpoint pathways triggers an enhanced immune response leading to cancer regression but may also lead to autoimmune toxicities or immune-related adverse events, which may involve skin, endocrine, respiratory, gastrointestinal or neurologic manifestations. Clinically relevant neurologic complications involving the central and/or peripheral nervous system affect up to 1% of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Common neurologic complications include aseptic meningitis and encephalitis, hypophysitis, myasthenia, myositis and neuropathies. Neurologic immune-related adverse events after immune checkpoint inhibition should be distinguished from cancer progression or other complications of cancer therapy (e.g. infections). The treatment of neurologic complications may include holding or withdrawing cancer immunotherapy, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapies with corticosteroids and steroid-sparing agents, immunomodulation with intravenous immune globulin or plasmapheresis and symptomatic treatment (e.g. antiepileptic medications, pain medications).

OUP accepted manuscript

Objectives

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and demographic characteristics of an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related thyroid dysfunction (ICI-TD), and to explore risk factors of poor clinical outcome using data from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods

This is a retrospective study. All cases, aged over 18-year olds, of new-onset or new-diagnosed thyroid dysfunction related to FDA-approved ICIs from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2020 were identified using FAERS. Data of age, gender, other combined endocrinopathies related to ICIs besides ICI-TDs, and the prognosis was analyzed.

Results

In total, 2.60% (2971/114 121) cases of ICI-TDs were identified. Among them, 1842 (62.0%) developed hypothyroidism, 675 (22.7%) were hyperthyroidism, and 454 (15.3%) presented in thyroiditis without the mention of thyroid function. Patients on anti- programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) therapy displayed higher risk of hypothyroidism compared with other 3 regimens, respectively (P < .01 for all). The likelihood of other immune-related endocrinopathies in patients on the combination therapy of anti-cytotoxic T-cell-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) and anti-PD-1 was significantly elevated than anti-PD-1 (odds ratio [OR] 2.362, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.925-2.898], P < .001) and anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) regimens (OR 4.857, 95%CI [3.228-7.308], P < .001). The risk of severe cases was positively related to hypothyroidism in individuals on anti-PD-1 therapy (OR 1.587, 95%CI [1.146-2.197], P = .005) and those on anti-CTLA-4 therapy (OR 3.616, 95%CI [1.285-10.171], P = .015). The risk of severe cases was positively associated with the comorbidity with other endocrinopathies (anti-PD-1 group, OR 0.285, 95%CI [0.200-0.467], P < .001; anti-PD-1+anti-CTLA-4 group, OR 0.574, 95%CI [0.371-0.890], P = .013).

Conclusions

Regular monitor of thyroid function is indispensable, since ICI-TDs manifested as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, especially those on the combination therapy. Awareness among health care professionals is critical when hypothyroidism occurs, which might indicate poor clinical outcomes.

Nobel Prize for immune checkpoint inhibitors, understanding the immunological switching between immunosuppression and autoimmunity

INTRODUCTION

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a revolutionary form of immunotherapy in cancer. However, the percentage of patients responding to therapy is relatively low, while adverse effects occur in a large number of patients. In addition, the therapeutic mechanisms of ICIs are not yet completely described.

AREAS COVERED

The initial view (articles published in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, etc.) was that ICIs increase tumor-specific immunity. Recent data (collected from the same databases) suggest that the ICIs pharmacotherapy actually extends beyond the topic of immune reactivity, including additional immune pathways, such as disrupting immunosuppression and increasing tumor-specific autoimmunity. Unfortunately, there is no clear delimitation between these specific autoimmune reactions that are therapeutically beneficial, and nonspecific autoimmune reactions/toxicity that can be extremely severe side effects.

EXPERT OPINION

Immune checkpoint mechanisms perform a non-selective immune regulation, maintaining a dynamic balance between immunosuppression and autoimmunity. By blocking these mechanisms, ICIs actually perform an immunological reset, decreasing immunosuppression and increasing tumor-specific immunity and predisposition to autoimmunity. The predisposition to autoimmunity induces both side effects and beneficial autoimmunity. Consequently, further studies are necessary to maximize the beneficial tumor-specific autoimmunity, while reducing the counterproductive effect of associated autoimmune toxicity.

Tocilizumab for the treatment of immune-related adverse events: a systematic literature review and a multicentre case series

OBJECTIVE

Research is moving towards a more personalized management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) due to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in the treatment of these clinical manifestations.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed to retrieve data about the use of tocilizumab in the treatment of irAEs. Additionally, data from cancer patients referred to our Immune-related Adverse Event Clinic and treated with tocilizumab were collected.

RESULTS

Our literature review identified 20 articles and 11 meeting abstracts. Data about 91 cancer patients who received tocilizumab for the treatment of irAEs were collected. In 85% of cases, this therapy was associated with clinical benefit and no case of disease progression was reported. ICI therapy was continued following irAE onset and biologic therapy initiation in only three patients. Five patients developed irAEs upon ICI initiation and were subsequently treated with tocilizumab at our Centre. At a median follow-up of eight months, tocilizumab was safely continued along with ICI in three out of five patients, and an adequate control of irAE was obtained in all cases. No significant adverse reactions to tocilizumab were reported. Only one patient experienced a disease progression 18 months after ICI discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

Both our systematic literature review and case series highlight the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in the treatment of irAEs. Furthermore, they both support the possibility of a combined approach with tocilizumab and ICI, to guarantee an effective irAEs management without losing the oncologic response.

Cancer incidence in primary Sjögren's syndrome: Data from the French hospitalization database

The relationship between cancer and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is uncertain. While the increased risk of hematological malignancies is well-known, data on the comparative incidence of solid neoplasms is conflicting. This study aimed to explore the associations between cancer and pSS. This nationwide population-based retrospective study from the French health insurance database (PMSI) evaluated patients hospitalized with new-onset pSS from 2011 to 2018 against age- and sex-matched hospitalized controls (1:10). The incidence of hematological malignancies and solid neoplasms was compared between the two groups. Mortality and multiple cancer incidence were also evaluated. Adjusted Hazard Ratios (aHR) calculations included confounding factors, such as low socioeconomic status. Among 25,661 hospitalized patients with pSS versus 252,543 matched patients (median follow-up of 3.96 years), we observed a higher incidence rate of lymphomas (aHR, 1.97 [95% CI, 1.59-2.43]), Waldenström macroglobulinemia (aHR, 10.8 [6.5-18.0]), and leukemia (aHR, 1.61 [1.1-2.4]). Thyroid cancer incidence was higher (aHR, 1.7 [1.1-2.8]), whereas bladder and breast cancer incidences were lower (aHR, 0.58 [0.37-0.89] and 0.60 [0.49-0.74], respectively). pSS patients with breast cancer exhibited a lower mortality rate. A limitation was that the database only encompasses hospitalized patients, and immunological and histological details are not listed. We confirmed the increased risk of hematological malignancies and thyroid cancers among patients with pSS. The lower risk of breast cancer suggests a role of hormonal factors and raises questions of the concept of immune surveillance within breast tissue. Epidemiological and translational studies are required to elucidate the relationships between pSS and cancer.

Hypophysitis: A comprehensive overview

Hypophysitis is defined as inflammation of the pituitary gland. It is a heterogeneous condition as it can originate from different parts of the pituitary gland, can be caused by different pathophysiological processes, and can be isolated or the manifestation of a underlying systemic disease. Hypophysitis usually presents with endocrine deficiencies, including diabetes insipidus, with varying patterns. A subset of patients presents with mass effects. The last decades major progress has been made in the understanding of this disease. New forms are now recognized, new diagnostics are being developed, and specific treatments are proposed. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on hypophysitis using an aetiology-based approach and provides the clinician with a stepwise approach to the patient with (suspected) hypophysitis.

Sexual dimorphism in immunometabolism and autoimmunity: Impact on personalized medicine

Immune cells play essential roles in metabolic homeostasis and thus, undergo analogous changes in normal physiology (e.g., puberty and pregnancy) and in various metabolic and immune diseases. An essential component of this close relationship between the two is sex differences. Many autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematous and multiple sclerosis, feature strikingly increased prevalence in females, whereas in contrast, infectious diseases, such as Ebola and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, affect more men than women. Therefore, there are fundamental aspects of metabolic homeostasis and immune functions that are regulated differently in males and females. This can be observed in sex hormone-immune interaction where androgens, such as testosterone, have shown immunosuppressive effects whilst estrogen is on the opposite side of the spectrum with immunoenhancing facilitation of mechanisms. In addition, the two sexes exhibit significant differences in metabolic regulation, with estrous cycles in females known to induce variability in traits and more pronounced metabolic disease phenotype exhibited by males. It is likely that these differences underlie both the development of metabolic and autoimmune diseases and the response to current treatment options. Sexual dimorphism in immunometabolism has emerged to become an area of intense research, aiming to uncover sex-biased effector molecules in the various metabolic tissues and immune cell types, identify sex-biased cell-type-specific functions of common effector molecules, and understand whether the sex differences in metabolic and immune functions influence each other during autoimmune pathogenesis. In this review, we will summarize recent findings that address these critical questions of sexual dimorphism in immunometabolism as well as their translational implications for the clinical management of autoimmune diseases.

Complement Activation in Kidneys of Patients With COVID-19

Most patients who became critically ill following infection with COVID-19 develop severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) attributed to a maladaptive or inadequate immune response. The complement system is an important component of the innate immune system that is involved in the opsonization of viruses but also in triggering further immune cell responses. Complement activation was seen in plasma adsorber material that clogged during the treatment of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Apart from the lung, the kidney is the second most common organ affected by COVID-19. Using immunohistochemistry for complement factors C1q, MASP-2, C3c, C3d, C4d, and C5b-9 we investigated the involvement of the complement system in six kidney biopsies with acute kidney failure in different clinical settings and three kidneys from autopsy material of patients with COVID-19. Renal tissue was analyzed for signs of renal injury by detection of thrombus formation using CD61, endothelial cell rarefaction using the marker E-26 transformation specific-related gene (ERG-) and proliferation using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-staining. SARS-CoV-2 was detected by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Biopsies from patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS, n = 5), severe acute tubular injury (ATI, n = 7), zero biopsies with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC, n = 7) and 1 year protocol biopsies from renal transplants (Ctrl, n = 7) served as controls. In the material clogging plasma adsorbers used for extracorporeal therapy of patients with COVID-19 C3 was the dominant protein but collectin 11 and MASP-2 were also identified. SARS-CoV-2 was sporadically present in varying numbers in some biopsies from patients with COVID-19. The highest frequency of CD61-positive platelets was found in peritubular capillaries and arteries of COVID-19 infected renal specimens as compared to all controls. Apart from COVID-19 specimens, MASP-2 was detected in glomeruli with DIC and ATI. In contrast, the classical pathway (i.e. C1q) was hardly seen in COVID-19 biopsies. Both C3 cleavage products C3c and C3d were strongly detected in renal arteries but also occurs in glomerular capillaries of COVID-19 biopsies, while tubular C3d was stronger than C3c in biopsies from COVID-19 patients. The membrane attack complex C5b-9, demonstrating terminal pathway activation, was predominantly deposited in COVID-19 biopsies in peritubular capillaries, renal arterioles, and tubular basement membrane with similar or even higher frequency compared to controls. In conclusion, various complement pathways were activated in COVID-19 kidneys, the lectin pathway mainly in peritubular capillaries and in part the classical pathway in renal arteries whereas the alternative pathway seem to be crucial for tubular complement activation. Therefore, activation of the complement system might be involved in the worsening of renal injury. Complement inhibition might thus be a promising treatment option to prevent deregulated activation and subsequent collateral tissue injury.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors-Related Thyroid Dysfunction: Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation, Possible Pathogenesis, and Management

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a group of drugs employed in the treatment of various types of malignant tumors and improve the therapeutic effect. ICIs blocks negative co-stimulatory molecules, such as programmed cell death gene-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), reactivating the recognition and killing effect of the immune system on tumors. However, the reactivation of the immune system can also lead to the death of normal organs, tissues, and cells, eventually leading to immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). IRAEs involve various organs and tissues and also cause thyroid dysfunction. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, possible pathogenesis, and management of ICIs-related thyroid dysfunction.

The JANUS of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases onset during COVID-19 - A systematic review of the literature

The diverse clinical manifestations of COVID-19 is emerging as a hallmark of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. While the initial target of SARS-CoV-2 is the respiratory tract, it is becoming increasingly clear that there is a complex interaction between the virus and the immune system ranging from mild to controlling responses to exuberant and dysfunctional multi-tissue directed autoimmune responses. The immune system plays a dual role in COVID-19, being implicated in both the anti-viral response and in the acute progression of the disease, with a dysregulated response represented by the marked cytokine release syndrome, macrophage activation, and systemic hyperinflammation. It has been speculated that these immunological changes may induce the loss of tolerance and/or trigger chronic inflammation. In particular, molecular mimicry, bystander activation and epitope spreading are well-established proposed mechanisms to explain this correlation with the likely contribution of HLA alleles. We performed a systematic literature review to evaluate the COVID-19-related autoimmune/rheumatic disorders reported between January and September 2020. In particular, we investigated the cases of incident hematological autoimmune manifestations, connective tissue diseases, antiphospholipid syndrome/antibodies, vasculitis, Kawasaki-like syndromes, acute arthritis, autoimmune-like skin lesions, and neurologic autoimmune conditions such as Guillain–Barré syndrome. We screened 6263 articles and report herein the findings of 382 select reports which allow us to conclude that there are 2 faces of the immune response against SARS-CoV-2, that include a benign virus controlling immune response and a many faceted range of dysregulated multi-tissue and organ directed autoimmune responses that provides a major challenge in the management of this viral disease. The number of cases for each disease varied significantly while there were no reported cases of adult onset Still disease, systemic sclerosis, or inflammatory myositis.

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The immune system plays a major role in the acute progression of COVID-19.

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SARS-CoV-2 infection shares features with autoimmune diseases.

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SARS-CoV-2 can induce Guillain-Barré syndrome, arthritis, chilblain-like lesions.

Cancer Immunotherapy Dosing: A Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Perspective

Immune check-point inhibitors are drugs that are markedly different from other anticancer drugs because of their indirect mechanisms of antitumoral action and their apparently random effect in terms of efficacy and toxicity. This marked pharmacodynamics variability in patients calls for reconsidering to what extent approved dosing used in clinical practice are optimal or whether they should require efforts for customization in outlier patients. To better understand whether or not dosing could be an actionable item in oncology, in this review, preclinical and clinical development of immune checkpoint inhibitors are described, particularly from the angle of dose finding studies. Other issues in connection with dosing issues are developed, such as the flat dosing alternative, the putative role therapeutic drug monitoring could play, the rise of combinatorial strategies, and pharmaco-economic aspects.