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Spagnolo CC, Campo I, Campennì A, Cardile D, Cannavò S, Silvestris N, Santarpia M, Ruggeri RM. Challenges and pitfalls in the management of endocrine toxicities from immune checkpoint inhibitors: a case presentation of synchronous thyrotoxicosis and primary adrenal insufficiency in a melanoma patient. Hormones (Athens) 2024:10.1007/s42000-024-00535-0. [PMID: 38421588 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-024-00535-0] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the therapeutic approach to several solid tumors, becoming the standard of care for cancer treatment in different disease settings. Despite the fact that these agents are better tolerated than conventional chemotherapy, their use is associated with a specific toxicity profile, so-called immune-related adverse events (irAEs), that can involve several organs. Endocrine irAEs are among the most frequent toxicities (around 10 to 16%) and include hypophysitis, thyroid disorders, adrenalitis, and diabetes mellitus. Some of them may be life-threatening if not promptly recognized (such as diabetic ketoacidosis and acute adrenal crisis). CASE PRESENTATION A 55-year-old woman with a personal history of euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis was diagnosed with a metastatic melanoma, BRAF wild type. Under treatment with anti-PD-1 pembrolizumab, she developed thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism due to destructive thyroiditis and concurrent primary adrenal insufficiency due to adrenalitis. CONCLUSIONS The simultaneous occurrence of adrenal and thyroid autoimmune diseases, resembling autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 2, may occur as a rare but serious side effect of ICI treatment. It often presents with abrupt onset and rapid evolution towards polyglandular insufficiency. Physicians should be aware of the potential association of two or more endocrine disorders and careful monitoring of endocrine function is needed during ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calogera Claudia Spagnolo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology "G. Barresi", University of Messina, AOU G. Martino, V. Consolare Valeria 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Irene Campo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology "G. Barresi", University of Messina, AOU G. Martino, V. Consolare Valeria 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Alfredo Campennì
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Davide Cardile
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cannavò
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood DETEV, University of Messina, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology "G. Barresi", University of Messina, AOU G. Martino, V. Consolare Valeria 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Mariacarmela Santarpia
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology "G. Barresi", University of Messina, AOU G. Martino, V. Consolare Valeria 1, 98125, Messina, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Maddalena Ruggeri
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood DETEV, University of Messina, 98125, Messina, Italy
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Martella S, Lucas M, Porcu M, Perra L, Denaro N, Pretta A, Deias G, Willard-Gallo K, Parra HS, Saba L, Scartozzi M, Wekking D, Kok M, Aiello MM, Solinas C. Primary adrenal insufficiency induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: biological, clinical, and radiological aspects. Semin Oncol 2023; 50:144-148. [PMID: 38151399 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2023.11.003] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have become a cornerstone in medical oncology, with evolving therapeutic strategies and applications. These monoclonal antibodies, designed to enhance immune responses, have revealed a spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). While many irAEs exhibit favorable responses to corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy, most ICI-related endocrinopathies necessitate lifelong replacement therapy and pose significant clinical challenges. Adrenal insufficiency (AI), a noteworthy endocrine irAE, can manifest as primary AI (PAI) or secondary AI (SAI), resulting from adrenal or pituitary gland dysfunction, respectively. ICI-induced AI, albeit relatively infrequent, occurs in 1-2% of patients receiving single-agent anti-Programmed Death-1/Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) or Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4) therapies and in a higher range of 4-9% when ICIs are used in combinations. Recognizing and addressing ICI-induced PAI is crucial, as it often presents with acute and potentially life-threatening symptoms, especially considering the expanding use of ICI therapy. This review provides an updated overview of ICI-induced PAI, exploring its clinical, diagnostic, and radiological aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serafina Martella
- Medical Oncology, University Hospital Policlinico G.Rodolico-San Marco, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Minke Lucas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michele Porcu
- Department of Radiology, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Perra
- Azienda Tutela Salute Sardegna, via Enrico Costa n. 57, Sassari, Italy
| | - Nerina Denaro
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Pretta
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Deias
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Karen Willard-Gallo
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Institut Jules Bordet, Boulevard de Waterloo, 121, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hector Soto Parra
- Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico "G. Rodolico-S. Marco", 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Demi Wekking
- Location Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Marleen Kok
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands.; Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marco Maria Aiello
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico San Marco, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, Italy
| | - Cinzia Solinas
- Medical Oncology AOU Cagliari Policlinico Duilio Casula, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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Kim W, Cho YA, Min KH, Kim DC, Lee KE. Machine Learning Approaches for Assessing Risk Factors of Adrenal Insufficiency in Patients Undergoing Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1097. [PMID: 37631013 PMCID: PMC10457804 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081097] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenal insufficiency is a rare, yet life-threatening immune-related adverse event of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This study aimed to establish a risk scoring system for adrenal insufficiency in patients receiving anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or anti-programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) agents. Moreover, several machine learning methods were utilized to predict such complications. This study included 209 ICI-treated patients from July 2015 to February 2021, excluding those with prior adrenal insufficiency, previous steroid therapy, or incomplete data to ensure data integrity. Patients were continuously followed up at Gyeongsang National University Hospital, with morning blood samples taken for basal cortisol level measurements, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of their adrenal insufficiency risk. Using a chi-squared test and logistic regression model, we derived the odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) through univariate and multivariable analyses. This study utilized machine learning algorithms, such as decision trees, random forests, support vector machines (SVM), and logistic regression to predict adrenal insufficiency in patients treated with ICIs. The performance of each algorithm was evaluated using metrics like accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), ensuring rigorous assessment and reproducibility. A risk scoring system was developed from the multivariable and machine learning analyses. In a multivariable analysis, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (AOR 4.5), and α-blockers (AOR 6.0) were significant risk factors for adrenal insufficiency after adjusting for confounders. Among the machine learning models, logistic regression and elastic net showed good predictions, with AUROC values of 0.75 (0.61-0.90) and 0.76 (0.64-0.89), respectively. Based on multivariable and machine learning analyses, females (1 point), age ≥ 65 (1 point), PPIs (1 point), α-blockers (2 points), and antipsychotics (3 points) were integrated into the risk scoring system. From the logistic regression curve, patients with 0, 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 points showed approximately 1.1%, 2.8%, 7.3%, 17.6%, 36.8%, 61.3%, and 81.2% risk for adrenal insufficiency, respectively. The application of our scoring system could prove beneficial in patient assessment and clinical decision-making while administering PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woorim Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ah Cho
- College of Pharmacy, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
- The Prime Hospital, 305 Nabulo, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Min
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Chul Kim
- Department of Pathology, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
- School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Eun Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
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Magacha HM, Parvez MA, Vedantam V, Makahleh L, Vedantam N. Unexplained Hypercalcemia: A Clue to Adrenal Insufficiency. Cureus 2023; 15:e42405. [PMID: 37637567 PMCID: PMC10447631 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypercalcemia secondary to adrenal insufficiency is a rare condition, but it must be recognized and treated promptly to prevent complications such as kidney damage, bone loss, and cardiac arrhythmias. The co-occurrence of hypercalcemia and adrenal insufficiency can be seen in some rare conditions such as sarcoidosis, however, hypercalcemia as a direct consequence of adrenal insufficiency is well documented in the literature but seldom recognized and often remains underdiagnosed. Symptoms of hypercalcemia in this setting include fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, confusion, and dehydration. Treatment typically involves correcting the underlying adrenal insufficiency with hormone replacement therapy, along with measures to lower calcium levels in the blood, such as hydration. In this article, we report the case of a patient presenting with hypercalcemia secondary to adrenal insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hezborn M Magacha
- Internal Medicine, East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, USA
| | - Mohammad A Parvez
- Internal Medicine, East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, USA
| | - Venkata Vedantam
- Internal Medicine, East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, USA
| | - Lana Makahleh
- Internal Medicine, East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, USA
| | - Neethu Vedantam
- Infectious Diseases, East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, USA
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5
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Rushworth RL, Torpy DJ. The Changing Epidemiology of Adrenal Insufficiency: Iatrogenic Factors Predominate. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad017. [PMID: 36777466 PMCID: PMC9909161 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Context Adrenal insufficiency (AI)-related morbidity persists despite efforts to minimize its effect. Reasons for this are unknown and warrant examination. Objective This work aimed to investigate trends in AI hospitalizations and glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy use. Methods Data on hospitalizations for a principal diagnosis of AI and prescriptions for short-acting GCs between 2000 and 2019 were extracted from national repositories. Age-standardized admission and prescription rates were calculated using census data. Rates were compared over time overall and according to age, sex, and disease subtype. Results AI admissions increased by 62.0%, from 36.78/million to 59.59/million (trend P < .0001). Adrenal crisis (AC) admissions also increased, by 90.1% (from 10.73/million to 20.40/million; trend, P < .00001). These increases were more pronounced in the second decade. Prescriptions for short-acting GCs also increased (by 67.2%, from 2198.36/million in 2000/2001 to 3676.00/million in 2017/2018). Females had higher average admission rates and a greater increase in admission rates than males. Increased AI admissions were found in all age groups among females but only in men aged 70+ yrs. Secondary AI (SAI) admission rates increased by 91.7%, whereas admission rates for primary AI (PAI) remained unchanged. Conclusion The prevalence of AI and hospitalizations for this disorder (including ACs) have increased since 2000, with a greater increase occurring after 2010. Admission rates for SAI increased but PAI admissions remained stable. Possible causes include immunotherapies for malignancy, increased cranial imaging detecting pituitary tumors and their subsequent treatment, and increased use of low-dose, short-acting GC-replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Louise Rushworth
- Correspondence: R. Louise Rushworth, MBBS, PhD, School of Medicine Sydney, The University of Notre Dame, Australia, 160 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | - David J Torpy
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
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Husebye ES, Castinetti F, Criseno S, Curigliano G, Decallonne B, Fleseriu M, Higham CE, Lupi I, Paschou SA, Toth M, van der Kooij M, Dekkers OM. Endocrine-related adverse conditions in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibition: an ESE clinical practice guideline. Eur J Endocrinol 2022; 187:G1-G21. [PMID: 36149449 PMCID: PMC9641795 DOI: 10.1530/eje-22-0689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized cancer treatment but are associated with significant autoimmune endocrinopathies that pose both diagnostic and treatment challenges. The aim of this guideline is to provide clinicians with the best possible evidence-based recommendations for treatment and follow-up of patients with ICI-induced endocrine side-effects based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. As these drugs have been used for a relatively short time, large systematic investigations are scarce. A systematic approach to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up is needed, including baseline tests of endocrine function before each treatment cycle. We conclude that there is no clear evidence for the benefit of high-dose glucocorticoids to treat endocrine toxicities with the possible exceptions of severe thyroid eye disease and hypophysitis affecting the visual apparatus. With the exception of thyroiditis, most endocrine dysfunctions appear to be permanent regardless of ICI discontinuation. Thus, the development of endocrinopathies does not dictate a need to stop ICI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eystein S Husebye
- Department of Clinical Science and K.G. Jebsen Center of Autoimmune Diseases, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence should be addressed to E S Husebye;
| | - Frederik Castinetti
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM U1251, Marseille Medical genetics, Department of Endocrinology, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Sherwin Criseno
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Maria Fleseriu
- Pituitary Center, Department of Medicine and Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Claire E Higham
- Department of Endocrinology, Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Isabella Lupi
- Endocrine Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stavroula A Paschou
- Endocrine Unit and Diabetes Centre, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Miklos Toth
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, ENETS Center of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Olaf M Dekkers
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Chye A, Allen I, Barnet M, Burnett DL. Insights Into the Host Contribution of Endocrine Associated Immune-Related Adverse Events to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition Therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:894015. [PMID: 35912205 PMCID: PMC9329613 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.894015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Blockade of immune checkpoints transformed the paradigm of systemic cancer therapy, enabling substitution of a cytotoxic chemotherapy backbone to one of immunostimulation in many settings. Invigorating host immune cells against tumor neo-antigens, however, can induce severe autoimmune toxicity which in many cases requires ongoing management. Many immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are clinically and pathologically indistinguishable from inborn errors of immunity arising from genetic polymorphisms of immune checkpoint genes, suggesting a possible shared driver for both conditions. Many endocrine irAEs, for example, have analogous primary genetic conditions with varied penetrance and severity despite consistent genetic change. This is akin to onset of irAEs in response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which vary in timing, severity and nature despite a consistent drug target. Host contribution to ICI response and irAEs, particularly those of endocrine origin, such as thyroiditis, hypophysitis, adrenalitis and diabetes mellitus, remains poorly defined. Improved understanding of host factors contributing to ICI outcomes is essential for tailoring care to an individual’s unique genetic predisposition to response and toxicity, and are discussed in detail in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Chye
- Immunology Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - India Allen
- Immunology Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Megan Barnet
- Immunology Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Megan Barnet, ; Deborah L. Burnett,
| | - Deborah L. Burnett
- Immunology Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Megan Barnet, ; Deborah L. Burnett,
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Barnabei A, Corsello A, Paragliola RM, Iannantuono GM, Falzone L, Corsello SM, Torino F. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors as a Threat to the Hypothalamus-Pituitary Axis: A Completed Puzzle. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14041057. [PMID: 35205804 PMCID: PMC8870574 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) prolong the survival in an increasing number of patients affected by several malignancies, but at the cost of new toxicities related to their mechanisms of action, autoimmunity. Endocrine toxicity frequently occurs in patients on ICI, but endocrine dysfunctions differ based on the ICI-subclass, as follows: agents targeting the CTLA4-receptor often induce hypophysitis and rarely thyroid dysfunction, which is the opposite for agents targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Recently, few cases of central diabetes insipidus have been reported as an adverse event induced by both ICI-subclasses, either in the context of anterior hypophysitis or as selective damage to the posterior pituitary or in the context of hypothalamitis. These new occurrences demonstrate, for the first time, that ICI-induced autoimmunity may involve any tract of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. However, the related pathogenic mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Similarly, the data explaining the endocrine system susceptibility to primary and ICI-induced autoimmunity are still scarce. Since ICI clinical indications are expected to expand in the near future, ICI-induced autoimmunity to the hypothalamic-pituitary axis presents as a unique in vivo model that could help to clarify the pathogenic mechanisms underlying both the dysfunction induced by ICI to the hypothalamus-pituitary axis and primary autoimmune diseases affecting the same axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Barnabei
- Endocrinology Unit, P.O.—S. Spirito in Sassia, ASL Roma 1, Lungotevere in Sassia 1, I-00193 Rome, Italy;
| | - Andrea Corsello
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico “Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, I-00168 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (R.M.P.); (S.M.C.)
| | - Rosa Maria Paragliola
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico “Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, I-00168 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (R.M.P.); (S.M.C.)
| | - Giovanni Maria Iannantuono
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, I-00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, I-80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Maria Corsello
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico “Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, I-00168 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (R.M.P.); (S.M.C.)
- UniCamillus, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro, 8, I-00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Torino
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, I-00133 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-062-090-8190
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Endocrine Toxicities of Antineoplastic Therapy: The Adrenal Topic. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030593. [PMID: 35158860 PMCID: PMC8833706 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) induced by anticancer drugs is a rare occurrence. However, with the expanding use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), an increasing number of patients affected by ICI-induced PAI are expected. As a result, oncologists should be aware of the risk of PAI in patients on ICIs (and other anticancer agents) and the related clinical presentations to diagnose this condition early, provide the appropriate treatment, and timely involve endocrinologists in the management of those patients. In parallel, patients on these medications, together with their caregivers and relatives, should receive detailed information about PAI risk and be trained to act appropriately at the onset of alarm symptoms. Large collaborative trials are needed to develop appropriate tests to assess the personal risk of drug induced PAI better and improve its early diagnosis in cancer patients and patients affected by other forms of PAI. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved survival in patients affected by several solid tumours at the cost of new autoimmune adverse events. Endocrine toxicity is frequently reported in patients treated with these agents, mainly as thyroid dysfunction and hypophysitis. Primary adrenal insufficiency is reported in 1–2% of patients receiving a single ICI, but its rate is approximately 5% in patients treated with a combination of two ICIs. The clinical presentation of adrenal insufficiency may be insidious due to symptoms that are not specific. The same symptoms in cancer patients are frequently multifactorial, rendering the early diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency challenging in this group of patients. As adrenal insufficiency can be fatal if not rapidly diagnosed and treated, oncologists should be aware of its clinical presentations to timely involve endocrinologists to offer patients the appropriate management. In parallel, it is essential to educate patients, their caregivers, and relatives, providing them with detailed information about the risk of adrenal insufficiency and how to manage alarming symptoms at their onset. Finally, large collaborative trials are needed to develop appropriate tests to assess better the personal risk of drug-induced adrenal insufficiency and its early diagnosis and treatment, not only in cancer patients.
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