Diabetic Ketoacidosis as an Immune-related Adverse Event from Pembrolizumab in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The Development of Diabetes and Diabetic Ketoacidosis Following Immunotherapy Treatment: A Systematic Review of Case Reports

As cancer continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide, additional therapeutic options other than traditional platinum-based chemotherapy have become available that target tumor cells in innovative ways. Immunotherapies (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI)) ramp up the immune system to target cancer cells, providing patients with more personalized and tumor cell-specific treatment options. This new age oncological treatment option has been found to provide a more meaningful and stronger alternative to traditional chemotherapy, resulting in longer periods of remission and milder side effects. However, because ICI heightens the immune system, resultant autoimmune conditions can occur. One of the most recently shown adverse effects of ICI are extreme hyperglycemia (i.e., type 1 diabetes) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). To determine the incidence of immunotherapy-induced diabetes, a systematic literature review was performed using CINHAL, EBSCO, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. A total of 403 articles were initially screened, with a final 28 case reports included. The results show that checkpoint inhibitors were found to be most commonly associated with new-onset diabetes as opposed to traditional chemotherapy. Additionally, 41% of patients developed autoimmune diabetes and DKA after being placed on a single therapy of pembrolizumab (targets PD-1: programmed cell death protein 1). However, the pathological process underlying the development of endocrinopathies after treatment with ICI continues to be under investigation.

Britannin inhibits cell proliferation, migration and glycolysis by downregulating KLF5 in lung cancer

Lung cancer is a harmful type of malignancy and the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality. It is therefore imperative to develop novel drugs effective for treating this cancer. The Traditional Chinese Medicine compound Britannin has been previously reported to inhibit the development of certain cancers, such as pancreatic, breast and liver cancer. Moreover, Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) has been identified an on oncogene in lung cancer. In the present study, the possible regulatory effects and underlying mechanism of Britannin in lung cancer were investigated. A549 and 16HBE cells were treated with different concentrations of Britannin. Subsequently, Cell counting kit-8, EdU staining and colony formation assays were used to detect the proliferative ability of these cells. Cell migration was detected by wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. XF96 extracellular flux analyzer was used to analyze the extent of extracellular acidification and oxygen consumption rate in cells, whereas assay kits were used to detect glucose and lactic acid levels in the cell supernatant. The targeting effect between Britannin and the KLF5 protein was investigated using molecular docking technology. The protein expression levels of KLF5 in cells challenged with Britannin was detected by western blotting. Finally, overexpression of KLF5 in A549 cells was performed before cell proliferation, migration and the glycolysis rate were measured to explore the regulatory effects of Britannin. Britannin was found to inhibit the proliferation, migration and glycolysis of lung cancer cells, during which the protein expression levels of KLF5 were decreased. This suggests that Britannin regulated the expression of KLF5 in A549 cells. Overexpression of KLF5 reversed the inhibitory effects of Britannin on the proliferation, migration and glycolysis in lung cancer cells. In conclusion, these results suggest that Britannin can inhibit cell proliferation, migration and glycolysis by downregulating KLF5 expression in lung cancer cells.

Clinically Approved Monoclonal Antibodies-based Immunotherapy: Association With Glycemic Control and Impact Role of Clinical Pharmacist for Cancer Patient Care

PURPOSE

Compared with more conventional, nonspecific therapy options, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) constitute a crucial approach of cancer treatment. Multiple autoimmune diseases have been observed during treatment with mAb medications, including autoimmune diabetes mellitus (DM). This study provides a narrative review of clinically approved mAbs in cancer treatment and focuses on the development of hyperglycemia and DM arising from using these therapies. Furthermore, it highlights the critical role of oncology clinical pharmacists in the management of autoimmune DM and patient care while using these medications in an oncology setting.

METHODS

An extensive literature search was conducted using various sources of electronic databases, such as Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed, and search engines, such as Google Scholar, for studies on mAb classification, types, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic properties, current clinical applications, and the associated common adverse effects with significant recommendations for patient care in an oncology setting, along with focusing on the proposed mechanisms and clinical studies that reported the association of DM after the use of these therapies.

FINDINGS

There are 4 types (murine, chimeric, humanized, and human) and 3 classes (unconjugated, conjugated, and bispecific) of mAbs with several mechanisms of action that can destroy cancer cells, including preventing tumor cell survival cascades, inhibiting tumor growth by interfering with tumor angiogenesis, evading programmed cell death, and bypassing immune checkpoints. However, multiple endocrinopathies, autoimmune diseases, and complications were reported from the use of these medications, including the development of autoimmune DM and diabetic ketoacidosis. These autoimmune disorders were reported most with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, including inhibitors of the programmed cell death protein 1 (nivolumab and pembrolizumab), its ligand (atezolizumab, avelumab, and durvalumab), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (ipilimumab).

IMPLICATIONS

mAbs are considered important approaches for the treatment of many cancer types. However, a high incidence of hyperglycemia, type 1 DM, and diabetic ketoacidosis is observed with the use of these medications, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors. It is important for oncologic clinical pharmacists to be involved in addressing these autoimmune disorders from the use of these immunotherapies via the provision of patient education, medication adherence support, close monitoring, and follow-up, which will lead to better health-related outcomes and improved patient quality of life.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced diabetes mellitus

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This article summarized a total of 172 published cases of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced diabetes mellitus (DM).

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Found that glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies positivity is related to an earlier onset of ICI-induced diabetes and a higher frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis development.

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Presented a case of ICI-induced DM following obvious lipase and amylase elevation and discussed possible relationship between ICI-associated injuries to pancreatic exocrine function and endocrine function.

Objective

To better understand immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) in cancer patients.

Design and method

We present a case of ICI-induced diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and conduct a systematic review of the PubMed and Web of Science databases up to September 2021 to identify all published cases of ICI-induced diabetes.

Results

In addition to our case, a total of 171 published cases were identified during the literature search. Summary and statistical analyzes were conducted for all 172 cases. The median onset time from ICI initiation to DM diagnosis was 12 weeks (range: 0–122). DKA was present in 67.4% (116/172) of the cases, and low C-peptide levels were detected in 91.8% (123/134), indicating an acute onset of diabetes. Patients with positive glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (GADA) had an earlier onset of ICI-induced diabetes (median time 7 weeks vs. 16 weeks for GADA-negative patients, p < 0.001) and a higher frequency of DKA development (82.8 vs. 62.1%, p = 0.006). All but two patients developed insulin-dependent diabetes permanently. Immunotherapy rechallenge was reported in 53 cases after glycemia was well controlled.

Conclusion

ICI-induced DM is a serious adverse event that often presents with life-threatening ketoacidosis. GADA positivity is related to an earlier onset of ICI-induced diabetes and a higher frequency of DKA development. Close monitoring of glucose levels is needed in patients receiving ICI treatment. ICI-induced DM is usually insulin-dependent since damage to β cells is irreversible. On the premise of well-controlled glycemia, immunotherapy rechallenge is feasible.

Sintilimab-induced autoimmune diabetes: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

With the widespread application of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, the number of immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) has increased over the years. Autoimmune diabetes mellitus (DM) is a rare irAEs of ICIs and can be troublesome and life threatening.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a 78-year-old woman with no history of diabetes who presented with hyperglycemia up to 23.4 mmol/L (random blood glucose level) after 14 courses of sintilimab. Hemoglobin A1c was 8.2%, fasting insulin was 0.29 mIU/mL, and fasting C-peptide was decreased to a level with negative autoantibodies. Combing her medical history and laboratory examination, she was diagnosed with programmed cell death (PD)-1-inhibitor-induced, new-onset autoimmune DM. After controlling her blood glucose, she was treated with daily insulin by subcutaneous injection. She was allowed to continue anti-PD-1 therapy and she still obtained some therapeutic efficacy. We also reviewed some published cases (n = 36) of PD-1/PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor-induced DM. We also discuss potential pathogenic mechanisms, clinical features, prognostic markers (β cell antibodies, human leukocyte antigen type, PD-L1 Level) of this rare adverse effect.

CONCLUSION

It is important for all clinicians to be aware of DM as an irAEs of ICIs.

Is immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated diabetes the same as fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus?

Pembrolizumab is an anti-cancer drug that targets programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) receptors on lymphocytes resulting in their activation against tumour cells. PD-1 receptors are also interspersed in endocrine organs and pembrolizumab use has long been associated with hypophysitis and thyroiditis. Since the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), several cases of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) have been reported. However, it is unclear if FT1DM and ICI-induced diabetes are the same pathology. We review the existing literature of ICI-induced diabetes to investigate its nature and to what extent it represents type 1A diabetes and/or FT1DM (type 1B diabetes) using an example case. Our review showed that ICI-induced diabetes may be a different entity to FT1DM. Furthermore, there is limited evidence for the management of ICI-induced T1DM. Further research into its pathophysiology will improve management and possibly prevent this burdensome complication.

Sintilimab induced diabetic ketoacidosis in a patient with small cell lung cancer: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Sintilimab is a novel programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor approved in the treatment of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma and undergoing clinical trials for various malignancies. As a PD-1 inhibitor, sintilimab is known to cause autoimmune adverse events similar to other PD-1 inhibitors. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a rare but severe adverse event of this therapy.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report a case of a 59-year-old man who developed DKA after 5 doses of sintilimab for small cell lung cancer. His fasting glycemia level was 14.07 mmol/L, urine ketone bodies were 4+, arterial blood pH was 7.271, bicarbonate was 12.3 mmol/L, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 7.4%. Extended investigations revealed that fasting C-peptide was undetectable (<0.003 nmol/L).

DIAGNOSIS

These laboratory investigations supported the diagnosis of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus, but no β-cell related antibodies were positive.

INTERVENTIONS

After remission of DKA, he was treated with insulin therapy to acquire a normalization of glycemia and the disappearance of symptoms.

OUTCOMES

Sintilimab was withheld after 6 cycles and was converted to durvalumab to sustain the therapeutic effect.

LESSONS

This case and associated literature review illustrate the importance of educating and monitoring patients who start PD-1 inhibitor therapy regarding this potentially life-threatening complication.

Immunotherapy-Associated Pancreatic Adverse Events: Current Understanding of Their Mechanism, Diagnosis, and Management

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) monoclonal antibodies, are involved in T cell-mediated immune response augmentation and promote anti-tumor immunity. Cancer patients treated with combination of immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy exhibit superior clinical outcomes and tolerance compared with patients treated with monotherapies. However, immutherapy is associated with several concomitant immune-related adverse events (irAEs). For instance, IrAEs interferes with function of gastrointestinal tract, endocrine, dermatological, nervous system and musculoskeletal systems. ICIs-associated pancreatic injury might causes decrease in endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function, resulting in metabolic and nutritional disorders. Clinicians who administer immune checkpoint inhibitors to cancer patients are diagnosed with hyperglycemia, abdominal pain and steatorrhea. Currently, the precise mechanism of ICIs-associated pancreatic injury has not been fully explored. This paper summarizes incidence, diagnosis, clinical characteristics, potential mechanisms, and treatment management patterns of ICIs-associated pancreatic AEs based on previous studies. In addition, possible management approaches of these adverse effects are presented in this paper. in the findings summarized in this paper lay a basis for management of ICIs-associated pancreatic AEs and expanding future immunotherapy applications.

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.

Programmed Cell Death-1 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of the Literature

Two Food and Drug Administration-approved programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors, nivolumab (Opdivo®), and pembrolizumab (Keytruda®), are indicated for treatment-resistant malignancies. Inhibition of PD-1 also inhibits T-cell peripheral tolerance, enhancing autoimmunity. Various autoimmune conditions have been reported with the use of these agents, including type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This article reviews literature regarding the development of T1DM in patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors and identifies strategies for the appropriate identification, monitoring, and follow-up of these patients. Published cases of T1DM related to PD-1 inhibitor therapy were identified using PubMed. Eighty-three identified publications were reviewed, of which 37 publications involving 42 cases of anti-PD-1 therapy-induced T1DM were identified. The average age of patients at presentation was 62 years and 59.5% were male. The mean number of PD-1 inhibitor doses received was 5, with a mean time to presentation of 11 weeks. Initial presentation of diabetic ketoacidosis was reported in 69% of cases, with an average blood glucose of 660 mg/dL and an average HbA_1c of 8.7%. The exact mechanism PD-1 inhibitor therapy-induced T1DM is unknown. Blood glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients receiving anti-PD-1 therapy. Further research is needed to delineate the frequency of this adverse effect, as well as to evaluate potential risk factors and ideal management strategies.

Adverse Effects of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (Programmed Death-1 Inhibitors and Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Protein-4 Inhibitors): Results of a Retrospective Study

In recent years the use of immunomodulating therapy to treat various cancers has been on the rise. Three checkpoint inhibitors have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (ipilimumab, pembrolizumab and nivolumab). The use of these drugs comes with serious adverse events related to excessive immune activation, collectively known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We conducted a system-based review of 139 case reports/case series that have described these adverse events between January 2016 and April 2018, found in the PubMed database. There was a broad spectrum of presentations, doses and checkpoint inhibitors used. The most common check point inhibitor observed in our literature review was nivolumab. The most common adverse effects encountered were colitis (14/139), hepatitis (11/139), adrenocorticotropic hormone insufficiency (12/139), hypothyroidism (7/139), type 1 diabetes (22/139), acute kidney injury (16/139) and myocarditis (10/139). The treatment most commonly consisted of cessation of the immune checkpoint inhibitor, initiation of steroids and supportive therapy. This approach provided a complete resolution in a majority of cases; however, there were many that developed long-term adverse events with deaths reported in a few cases. The endocrine system was the mostly commonly affected with the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis being the most frequently reported adverse events. While immunomodulating therapy is a significant advance in the management of various malignancies, it is capable of serious adverse effects. Because the majority of the cases developed pancreatic dysfunction within five cycles of therapy, in addition to the evaluation of other systems, pancreatic function should be closely monitored to minimize adverse impact on patients.

Endocrine Toxicity of Cancer Immunotherapy Targeting Immune Checkpoints

Immune checkpoints are small molecules expressed by immune cells that play critical roles in maintaining immune homeostasis. Targeting the immune checkpoints cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death 1 (PD-1) with inhibitory antibodies has demonstrated effective and durable antitumor activity in subgroups of patients with cancer. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved several immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis) for the treatment of a broad spectrum of malignancies. Endocrinopathies have emerged as one of the most common immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of ICPi therapy. Hypophysitis, thyroid dysfunction, insulin-deficient diabetes mellitus, and primary adrenal insufficiency have been reported as irAEs due to ICPi therapy. Hypophysitis is particularly associated with anti-CTLA-4 therapy, whereas thyroid dysfunction is particularly associated with anti-PD-1 therapy. Diabetes mellitus and primary adrenal insufficiency are rare endocrine toxicities associated with ICPi therapy but can be life-threatening if not promptly recognized and treated. Notably, combination anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 therapy is associated with the highest incidence of ICPi-related endocrinopathies. The precise mechanisms underlying these endocrine irAEs remain to be elucidated. Most ICPi-related endocrinopathies occur within 12 weeks after the initiation of ICPi therapy, but several have been reported to develop several months to years after ICPi initiation. Some ICPi-related endocrinopathies may resolve spontaneously, but others, such as central adrenal insufficiency and primary hypothyroidism, appear to be persistent in most cases. The mainstay of management of ICPi-related endocrinopathies is hormone replacement and symptom control. Further studies are needed to determine (i) whether high-dose corticosteroids in the treatment of ICPi-related endocrinopathies preserves endocrine function (especially in hypophysitis), and (ii) whether the development of ICPi-related endocrinopathies correlates with tumor response to ICPi therapy.

Spectrum of immune checkpoint inhibitors-induced endocrinopathies in cancer patients: a scoping review of case reports

BACKGROUND

Since 2011 six immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have been approved to treat patients with many advanced solid tumor and hematological malignancies to improve their prognosis. Case reports of their endocrine immune-related adverse events [irAEs]) are increasingly published as more real-world patients with these malignancies are treated with these drugs. They alert physicians of a drug's AEs (which may change during a drug's life cycle) and contribute to post-marketing safety surveillance. Using a modified framework of Arksey and O'Malley, we conducted a scoping review of the spectrum and characteristics of ICI-induced endocrinopathies case reports before and after ICIs are marketed.

METHODS

In July 2017, we searched, without date and language restrictions, 4 citation databases for ICI-induced endocrinopathies. We also hand-searched articles' references, contents of relevant journals, and ran supplemental searches to capture recent reports through January 2018. For this study, a case should have information on type of cancer, type of ICI, clinical presentation, biochemical tests, treatment plus temporal association of ICI initiation with endocrinopathies. Two endocrinologists independently extracted the data which were then summarized and categorized.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy nine articles reported 451 cases of ICI-induced endocrinopathies - 222 hypopituitarism, 152 thyroid disorders, 66 diabetes mellitus, 6 primary adrenal insufficiencies, 1 ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, 1 hypoparathyroidism and 3 diabetes insipidus cases. Their clinical presentations reflect hormone excess or deficiency. Some were asymptomatic and others life-threatening. One or more endocrine glands could be affected. Polyglandular endocrinopathies could present simultaneously or in sequence. Many occur within 5 months of therapy initiation; a few occurred after ICI was stopped. Mostly irreversible, they required long-term hormone replacement. High dose steroids were used when non-endocrine AEs coexisted or as therapy in adrenal insufficiency. There was variability of information in the case reports but all met the study criteria to make a diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The spectrum of ICI-induced endocrinopathies is wide (5 glands affected) and their presentation varied (12 endocrinopathies). Clinical reasoning integrating clinical, biochemical and treatment information is needed to properly diagnose and manage them. Physicians should be vigilant for their occurrence and be able to diagnose, investigate and manage them appropriately at onset and follow-up.

Programmed Cell Death-1 Inhibitor-Induced Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

CONTEXT

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda; Merck Sharp & Dohme) is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody used in cancer immunotherapy. It targets the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) receptor, which is important in maintaining self-tolerance. However, immune checkpoint blockade is associated with a risk for immune-related adverse events (irAEs) potentially affecting the endocrine organs. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a rare irAE of PD-1 inhibitors, occurring in 0.2% of cases.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Systematic search of four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) using the search terms "diabetes" or "ketoacidosis" and "pembrolizumab," "nivolumab," "PD-1 inhibitor," or "immunotherapy." Included were articles published in English between 1 January 2012 and 1 January 2018. The search was supplemented by bibliographic searches of the complete reference lists of all included papers.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

We provide an overview of all published cases (n = 42) of PD-1 inhibitor-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus to date, including a well-characterized case of islet cell antibody and glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody-positive diabetes mellitus, in a patient with a diabetes-prone HLA genotype. She presented with diabetic ketoacidosis during pembrolizumab therapy for a metastatic uveal melanoma. Furthermore, we discuss potential pathogenic mechanisms, clinical presentation, prognostic markers (β-cell antibodies and HLA type), treatment, and a screening protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

Because the use of immunotherapy will increase, it is essential that all clinicians are aware of diabetic ketoacidosis as a rare and life-threatening side effect of immunotherapy. Blood glucose monitoring during anti-PD-1 therapy is necessary.

New-onset insulin-dependent diabetes due to nivolumab

Nivolumab, a monoclonal antibody against programmed cell death-1 receptor, is increasingly used in advanced cancers. While nivolumab use enhances cancer therapy, it is associated with increased immune-related adverse events. We describe an elderly man who presented in ketoacidosis after receiving nivolumab for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. On presentation, he was hyperpneic and laboratory analyses showed hyperglycemia and anion-gapped metabolic acidosis consistent with diabetic ketoacidosis. No other precipitating factors, besides nivolumab, were identified. Pre-nivolumab blood glucose levels were normal. The patient responded to treatment with intravenous fluids, insulin and electrolyte replacement. He was diagnosed with insulin-dependent autoimmune diabetes mellitus secondary to nivolumab. Although nivolumab was stopped, he continued to require multiple insulin injection therapy till his last follow-up 7 months after presentation. Clinicians need to be alerted to the development of diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis in patients receiving nivolumab.