Nivolumab-induced thyroid dysfunction in patients with lung cancer

Improved overall survival in patients developing endocrine toxicity during treatment with nivolumab for advanced non-small cell lung cancer in a prospective study

PURPOSE

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) disrupting PD-1/PD-L1 axis have revolutionized the management of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Some studies identified the development of endocrine toxicity as predictor of better survival in cancer patients treated with ICPIs. The aim of study was to evaluate survival and new onset of immune-related endocrine adverse events (irAEs) in patients treated with nivolumab for advanced NSCLC.

METHODS

In a prospective study, 73 patients with previously treated advanced NSCLC received nivolumab in monotherapy. Blood samples were collected at each cycle to monitor thyroid autoimmunity, thyroid, adrenal and somatotroph axes, while thyroid morphology was evaluated by ultrasonography.

RESULTS

An impaired thyroid function was recorded in 23.4% of patients (n = 15). Eight patients developed asymptomatic transient thyrotoxicosis (ATT) evolving to hypothyroidism in 50% of cases. In addition, seven patients developed overt hypothyroidism without ATT and with negative autoantibodies. Patients who developed hypothyroidism proved to have better overall survival (OS) as compared with non-developers at both univariate (p = 0.021) and multivariate analyses (p = 0.023). The survival curve of patients with reduced IGF-I at baseline, or displaying its reduction during the follow-up, showed significantly reduced median survival compared to patients with normal/high IGF-I levels (p = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

Thyroid function abnormalities are the major irAEs in patients treated with nivolumab, and hypothyroidism onset is associated with prolonged survival. Our findings indicate that the development of hypothyroidism is a positive predictive biomarker of nivolumab antitumor efficacy in patients with NSCLC. Low IGF-I levels could represent a negative prognostic factor during nivolumab therapy.

Targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) for treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC); the recent advances

The immune system uses various immune checkpoint axes to adjust responses, support homeostasis, and deter self-reactivity and autoimmunity. Nevertheless, non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) can use protective mechanisms to facilitate immune evasion, which leads to potentiated cancer survival and proliferation. In this light, many blocking anti-bodies have been developed to negatively regulate checkpoint molecules, in particular, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) / PD-ligand 1 (L1), and bypass these immune suppressive mechanisms. Meanwhile, anti-PD-1 anti-bodies such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab, cemiplimab, and sintilimab have shown excellent competence in successfully inspiring immune responses versus NSCLC. Accordingly, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved nivolumab (alone or in combination with ipilimumab) and pembrolizumab (alone or in combination with chemotherapy) as first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC patients. However, PD-1 blockade monotherapy remains inefficient in more than 60% of NSCLC patients, and many patients don't respond or acquire resistance to this modality. Also, toxicities related to anti-PD-1 anti-body have been progressively identified in clinical trials and oncology practice. Herein, we will outline the clinical benefits of PD-1 blockade therapy alone or in combination with other treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy) in NSCLC patients. Moreover, we will take a glimpse into the recently identified predictive biomarkers to determine patients most likely to suffer serious adverse events to decrease untoward toxicity risk and diminish treatment costs.

Nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy in cancer: Current evidence to date

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer immunotherapy, yielding significant antitumor responses across multiple cancer types. Combination ICI therapy with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies outperforms either antibody alone in terms of clinical efficacy. As a consequence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) plus nivolumab (anti-PD-1) as the first-ever approved therapies for combined ICI in patients with metastatic melanoma. Despite the success of ICIs, treatment with checkpoint inhibitor combinations poses significant clinical challenges, such as increased rates of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and drug resistance. Thus, identifying optimal prognostic biomarkers could help to monitor the safety and efficacy of ICIs and identify patients who may benefit the most from these treatments. In this review, we will first go over the fundamentals of the CTLA-4 and PD-1 pathways, as well as the mechanisms of ICI resistance. The results of clinical findings that evaluated the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab are then summarized to support future research in the field of combination therapy. Finally, the irAEs associated with combined ICI therapy, as well as the underlying biomarkers involved in their management, are discussed.

The value of the multidisciplinary team in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Paving the way for precision medicine in toxicities management

The new landscape of treatments for metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma (mRCC) is constantly expanding, but it is associated with the emergence of novel toxicities, adding to up to those observed in the tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI) era. Indeed, the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) alone or in combination has been associated with the development of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) involving multiple-organ systems which, even if rarely, had led to fatal outcomes. Moreover, due to the relatively recent addition of ICIs to the previously available treatments, the potential additive adverse effects of these combinations are still unknown. A prompt recognition and management of these toxicities currently represents a fundamental issue in oncology, since it correlates with the outcome of cancer patients. Even if clinical guidelines provide indications for the management of irAEs, no specific protocol to evaluate the individual risk of developing an adverse event during therapy is currently available. A multidisciplinary approach addressing appropriate interventions aimed at reducing the risk of any insidious, severe, and/or dose-limiting toxicity might represent the most efficacious strategy to timely prevent and manage severe irAEs, allowing indirectly to improve both patients' cancer-specific survival and quality of life. In this review, we reported a five-case series of toxicity events that occurred at our center during treatment for mRCC followed by the remarks of physicians from different specialties, pinpointing the relevant role of an integrated and extended multidisciplinary team in a modern model of mRCC patient management.

Durvalumab-induced thyroiditis in a patient with non-small cell lung carcinoma: a case report and review of pathogenic mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1) have become the current standard-of-care for advanced cancers. This novel therapeutic approach comes with its costs in the form of immune-related adverse events (irAE), including endocrinopathy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 63-year-old woman was diagnosed with a non-small cell lung carcinoma of the right superior lobe, cT3N2M0. She developed thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism induced by consolidation immunotherapy with durvalumab (anti-PD-L1). Analysis of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region showed HLA-DR4 (susceptible) and DR13 (protective). The possible mechanisms are subsequently discussed in detail.

CONCLUSIONS

The case of a patient with thyroiditis associated with the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab is described, highlighting the need for proactive monitoring of thyroid hormone levels. Identifying biomarkers associated with an increased risk of ICI-induced side effects (such as HLA) is of interest for better patient selection, optimal management and improved understanding of the mechanisms involved.

The continuum of care of anticancer treatment-induced hypothyroidism in patients with solid non thyroid tumors: time for an intimate collaboration between oncologists and endocrinologists

INTRODUCTION

Hypothyroidism is a common adverse event of various anticancer treatment modalities, constituting a notable paradigm of the integration of the endocrine perspective into precision oncology.

AREAS COVERED

The present narrative review provides a comprehensive and updated overview of anticancer treatment-induced hypothyroidism in patients with solid non-thyroid tumors. A study search was conducted on the following electronic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus.com, ClinicalTrials.gov, and European Union Clinical Trials Register from 2011 until August 2021.

EXPERT OPINION

In patients with solid non-thyroid tumors, hypothyroidism is a common adverse event of radiotherapy, high dose interleukin 2 (HD IL-2), interferon alpha (IFN-α), bexarotene, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPi), and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), while chemotherapy may induce hypothyroidism more often than initially considered. The path forward for the management of anticancer treatment-induced hypothyroidism in patients with solid non-thyroid tumors is an integrated approach grounded on 5 pillars: prevention, vigilance, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. Current challenges concerning anticancer treatment-induced hypothyroidism await counteraction, namely awareness of the growing list of related anticancer treatments, identification of predictive factors, counteraction of diagnostic pitfalls, tuning of thyroid hormone replacement, and elucidation of its prognostic significance. Close collaboration of oncologists with endocrinologists will provide optimal patient care.

Do endocrine adverse events predict longer progression-free survival among patients with non-small-cell lung cancer receiving nivolumab?

The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence and nature of immune-related endocrine adverse events (irAEs) among patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with nivolumab.

METHODS

The study group included 35 patients (15 women, 20 men, 65.8 ± 7.1 years) with NSCLC in stage IIIB (n = 16, 45.7%) and IV (n = 19,54.3%) who were treated with nivolumab.

RESULTS

Of the studied patients, 34.3% (n = 12) developed endocrine irAEs (irAE group): 22.9% (n = 8) hyperthyroidism and 8.6% (n = 3) hypothyroidism, and in one case, hypophysitis was observed. The median irAEs onset time was 2 months. In the group of patients with thyroid disorders, permanent hypothyroidism eventually developed in 58.3%. The severity of the analyzed irAEs ranged from mild to moderate (Grade 1-2); the case of hypophysitis was estimated as Grade 3. The comparison of progression-free survival time (PFS) between the two groups showed longer PFS in patients in the irAE group (p = 0.021). Patients with irAE were treated significantly longer with nivolumab and they received more doses of nivolumab, however in Cox analysis we did not find patients with irAE to experience progression later than patients without them.

CONCLUSIONS

Nivolumab therapy is associated with an increased risk of endocrine adverse effects, particularly thyroid dysfunction. Endocrine adverse effects can be successfully treated pharmacologically and usually do not require discontinuation of immunotherapy. The relationship between a better cancer prognosis in patients who developed endocrine irAE has not been found.

Thyroid dysfunction induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors is associated with a better progression-free survival and overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer: an original cohort study

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the onset of TD and treatment efficacy in NSCLC patients who initiated anti-PD-1 blockade (Nivolumab®) and to assess the impact of TD severity and subtype on nivolumab efficacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was performed at a referral oncology center between July 20, 2015 and June 30, 2018. Patients with histologically confirmed stage IIIB/IV NSCLC in progression after one or two lines of treatment and who initiated Nivolumab were included. Thyroid function (TSH ± fT4, fT3) was monitored and patients were classified according to TD status [TD(+) versus TD(-)], severity [moderate thyroid dysfunction: TSH level between 0.1 and 0.4 or 4.0 and 10 mIU/L and severe thyroid dysfunction: TSH ≤ 0.1 or ≥ 10mUI/L) and subtype (isolated hypothyroidism, isolated hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism then hypothyroidism)]. Clinical endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

Among 194 eligible patients, 134 patients (median age, 63 yo; 70.1% male) were included. Forty (29.9%) patients were classified in TD(+) and had a longer OS of 29.8 months (95% CI 18.8-NR) versus 8.1 months (95% CI 5.5-11.5) in TD(-) group (p < 0.001). PFS was also longer (8.7 months (95% CI 5.3-15.1) in TD(+) versus 1.7 months (95% CI 1.6-1.9) in TD(-) group (p < 0.001). In Cox proportional hazards analysis, TD remained an independent predictive factor of OS/PFS. Severity and subtype of TD were not correlated with OS/PFS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that TD induced by Nivolumab appears to be an independent predictive factor of survival, irrespective of TD severity and subtype.

Thyroid Toxicity Following Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment in Advanced Cancer

Background: Inhibitory antibodies against cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) have antitumor efficacy and are now standard of care in the management of multiple cancer subtypes. However, the use is complicated by the development of autoimmunity, which can occur in multiple organ systems. Thyroiditis is the most common immune-related adverse event. Summary: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-associated thyroiditis affects over 10% of treated patients. PD-1 inhibitors are associated with greater risk of thyroid dysfunction relative to CTLA-4 inhibitors, although the highest risk occurs with combined anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 treatment. Onset is typically rapid, within weeks to months and both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can occur. The most frequent pattern of thyroid dysfunction is transient hyperthyroidism with evolution to hypothyroidism over four to six weeks. Most cases are asymptomatic and resolve without dedicated treatment. There is no sex or age predominance, and predictive risk factors have not been reliably identified. Thyroid autoantibodies are variably present and are not clearly related to the risk or progression of thyroid dysfunction following treatment with an ICI. Observational data suggest that development of ICI-associated thyroiditis may predict improved survival. Conclusions: ICI-associated thyroiditis is a distinct clinical entity. Mechanisms underlying etiology remain largely unknown. Awareness among health professionals is important to limit morbidity and avoid unnecessary periods of untreated hypothyroidism.

Endocrine Adverse Events of Nivolumab in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients-Literature Review

In recent years, we have observed significant progress in cancer treatment associated with the development of immunotherapy. A programmed cell death 1 molecule (PD-1) on the surface of T lymphocytes may be stimulated via a specific PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which inhibits lymphocyte activation and leads to apoptosis. Some malignant cells are characterized by high PD-L1 expression. Nivolumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands and inhibits the signaling pathway by preventing the tumor-derived PD-L1 from blocking T lymphocytes. In patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it is used either in monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. Immunotherapy is associated with the possibility of immune-related adverse effects (irAE) including endocrinopathies (3–23%). Thyroid disorders are the most common, with severity rarely exceeding grade 2. Hypophysitis, adrenal insufficiency and diabetes are possible complications which require immediate treatment. Individuals with autoimmune diseases diagnosed prior to immunotherapy are at risk of its exacerbation. In the management of patients receiving immunotherapy, evaluation of history of autoimmune diseases, awareness and early diagnosis of irAE are crucial and may affect treatment outcomes.

Thyroid disorders in programmed death 1 inhibitor-treated patients: Is previous therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors a predisposing factor?

BACKGROUND

Programmed death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors are frequently associated with thyroid-related adverse events (TAEs), but many aspects remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of such events and to find any predictive factor for its development.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed data from patients with advanced solid tumours (non-small-cell lung carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, metastatic melanoma) treated with PD-1 inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) in Oncology Unit B, Policlinico Umberto I of Rome, from June 2015 to December 2018. All patients underwent baseline thyroid function evaluations repeated monthly.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 126 patients (66.7% male, mean age 66.4 ± 9.7 years). One hundred and seven received nivolumab and 19 pembrolizumab. Twenty-three per cent of patients experienced TAEs (mainly CTCAE grade 1), with hypothyroidism in 15.1% (subclinical: 11.9%, overt: 3.2%) and hyperthyroidism in 8.0% (subclinical: 4.8%, overt: 3.2%). Median time to TAE onset was 8.7 ± 6.8 weeks (10.4 ± 7.6 weeks for hypothyroidism, 5.4 ± 3.0 weeks for hyperthyroidism). Most TAEs (89.7%) appeared within the first 3 months, none after 8 months. Most hypothyroid patients (63.2%) had previously been treated with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Logistic regression analysis showed that pretreatment with a TKI was a major predisposing factor for the development of hypothyroidism (OR 9.2, 95% CI: 1.4-59.9, P = .020).

CONCLUSIONS

TAEs are common during anti-PD-1 therapy and usually occur within the first 3 months of treatment. This is the first study evaluating the impact of previous oncologic therapies on TAEs, identifying TKI as a major risk factor for the development of hypothyroidism in patients treated with anti-PD-1.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors and type 1 diabetes mellitus: a case report and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To better define the rare adverse event (AE) of diabetes mellitus associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

DESIGN AND METHODS

We report the case of a lung cancer patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and autoimmune thyroiditis during pembrolizumab treatment. We provide a systematic review of all published cases (PubMed/Web of Science/Cochrane, through November 2018) of autoimmune diabetes mellitus related to blockade of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4)-, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) receptor or its ligand (PD-L1) or combination (ICI) therapy.

RESULTS

Our literature search identified 90 patient cases (our case excluded). Most patients were treated with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 as monotherapy (79%) or in combination with CTLA-4 blockade (15%). On average, diabetes mellitus was diagnosed after 4.5 cycles; earlier for combination ICI at 2.7 cycles. Early-onset diabetes mellitus (after one or two cycles) was observed during all treatment regimens. Diabetic ketoacidosis was present in 71%, while elevated lipase levels were detected in 52% (13/25). Islet autoantibodies were positive in 53% of patients with a predominance of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies. Susceptible HLA genotypes were present in 65% (mostly DR4). Thyroid dysfunction was the most frequent other endocrine AE at 24% incidence in this patient population.

CONCLUSION

ICI-related diabetes mellitus is a rare but often life-threatening metabolic urgency of which health-care professionals and patients should be aware. Close monitoring of blood glucose and prompt endocrine investigation in case of hyperglycemia is advisable. Predisposing factors such as HLA genotype might explain why some individuals are at risk.