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Hiraizumi K, Honda C, Watanabe A, Nakao T, Midorikawa S, Abe H, Matsui N, Yamamoto T, Sakamoto T. Safety of nivolumab monotherapy in five cancer types: pooled analysis of post-marketing surveillance in Japan. Int J Clin Oncol 2024; 29:932-943. [PMID: 38844668 PMCID: PMC11196337 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-024-02515-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nivolumab has been approved for treating ≥ 10 cancer types. However, there is limited information on the incidence of rare, but potentially serious, treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), as well as notable TRAEs in patients with certain medical disorders or older patients in Japan. METHODS We performed pooled analyses of data from published post-marketing surveillance in Japan of nivolumab monotherapy for patients with malignant melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, head and neck cancer, and gastric cancer to determine the frequencies of 20 categories of TRAEs of special interest overall and in patient groups with higher perceived safety risks (history of autoimmune disease, interstitial lung disease, tuberculosis, or hepatitis B/C; patients vaccinated during nivolumab treatment; and older patients [≥ 75 years]). RESULTS The overall population comprised 7421 patients treated with nivolumab. TRAEs were reported in 49.1% of patients, with grade ≥ 3 TRAEs in 16.7%. Endocrine disorders (14.4%), hepatobiliary disorders (10.9%), and interstitial lung disease (7.0%) were the three most common categories (any grade). The incidences of rare TRAEs with high risk of becoming serious, which occurred in < 1% of patients, were consistent with those in previous reports. The frequencies of TRAEs were not markedly increased in the specified patient groups relative to the overall population. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the largest study examining the safety of nivolumab-treated patients in real-world clinical practice including rare but potentially serious TRAEs. We found no new signals in the safety of nivolumab among the patient groups relative to the overall population, and no additional safety measures are required in these groups. Trial registration UMIN000048892 (overall analysis), JapicCTI-163272 (melanoma), Japic-163271 (non-small cell lung cancer), JapicCTI-184071 (head and neck cancer), JapicCTI-184070 (gastric cancer), and JapicCTI-184069 (renal cell cancer).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Hiraizumi
- Oncology Medical Affairs, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-8-2 Kyutaromachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-8564, Japan
| | - Chikara Honda
- PV Data Strategy, Pharmacovigilance Department, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 2-1-5 Dosho-machi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-8526, Japan
| | - Ayu Watanabe
- Safety Management Pharmacovigilance Department, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 2-1-5 Dosho-machi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-8526, Japan
| | - Takafumi Nakao
- Safety Management Pharmacovigilance Department, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 2-1-5 Dosho-machi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-8526, Japan
| | - Shuichi Midorikawa
- Biometrics and Data Sciences, R&D Department, Bristol-Myers Squibb K.K., Otemachi One Tower, 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0004, Japan
| | - Hiromi Abe
- Oncology Medical, Bristol-Myers Squibb K.K., Otemachi One Tower, 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0004, Japan
| | - Nobuki Matsui
- Patient Safety Japan, Bristol-Myers Squibb K.K., Otemachi One Tower, 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0004, Japan
| | - Tsunehisa Yamamoto
- Oncology Medical, Bristol-Myers Squibb K.K., Otemachi One Tower, 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0004, Japan
| | - Takahiko Sakamoto
- Safety Management Pharmacovigilance Department, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 2-1-5 Dosho-machi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-8526, Japan.
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Lopez-Olivo MA, Kachira JJ, Abdel-Wahab N, Pundole X, Aldrich JD, Carey P, Khan M, Geng Y, Pratt G, Suarez-Almazor ME. A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and uncontrolled trials reporting on the use of checkpoint blockers in patients with cancer and pre-existing autoimmune disease. Eur J Cancer 2024; 207:114148. [PMID: 38834015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2024.114148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer patients with autoimmune disease have been excluded from randomized trials of immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs). We conducted a systematic review of observational studies and uncontrolled trials including cancer patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease who received ICBs. METHODS We searched 5 electronic databases through November 2023. Study selection, data collection, and quality assessment were performed independently by 2 investigators. We performed a meta-analysis to pool incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including de novo events and flares of existing autoimmune disease, hospitalizations due to irAEs, as well as deaths. RESULTS A total of 95 studies were included (23,897 patients with cancer and preexisting autoimmune disease). The most common cancer evaluated was lung cancer (30.7 %) followed by skin cancer (15.7 %). Patients with autoimmune disease were more likely to report irAEs compared to patients without autoimmune disease (relative risk 1.3, 95 % CI 1.0 to 1.6). The pooled occurrence rate of any irAEs (flares or de novo) was 61 % (95 % CI 54 % to 68 %); that of flares was 36 % (95 % CI 30 % to 43 %), and that of de novo irAEs was 23 % (95 % CI 16 % to 30 %). Flares were mild (grade <3) in half of cases and more commonly reported in patients with psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis (39 %), inflammatory bowel disease (37 %), and rheumatoid arthritis (36 %). 32 % of the patients with irAEs required hospitalization and treatment of irAEs included corticosteroids in 72 % of the cases. The irAEs mortality rate was 0.07 %. There were no statistically significant differences in cancer response to ICBs between patients with and without autoimmune disease. CONCLUSIONS Although more patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease had irAEs, these were mild and managed with corticosteroids in most cases, with no impact on cancer response. These results suggest that ICBs can be used in these patients, but careful monitoring is required, as over a third of the patients will experience a flare of their autoimmune disease and/or require hospitalization. These findings provide a crucial foundation for oncologists to refine their monitoring and management strategies, ensuring that the benefits of ICB therapy are maximized while minimizing its risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Lopez-Olivo
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Johncy J Kachira
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Noha Abdel-Wahab
- Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of General Internal Medicine, and Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Assiut University Hospitals, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Xerxes Pundole
- Center for Observational Research, Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Aldrich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Paul Carey
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Muhammad Khan
- Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of General Internal Medicine, and Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yimin Geng
- Research Medical Library, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gregory Pratt
- Research Medical Library, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria E Suarez-Almazor
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of General Internal Medicine, and Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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3
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Lin MX, Zang D, Liu CG, Han X, Chen J. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis: research advances in prediction and management. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1266850. [PMID: 38426102 PMCID: PMC10902117 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1266850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The advent of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the treatment of malignant solid tumors in the last decade, producing lasting benefits in a subset of patients. However, unattended excessive immune responses may lead to immune-related adverse events (irAEs). IrAEs can manifest in different organs within the body, with pulmonary toxicity commonly referred to as immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP). The CIP incidence remains high and is anticipated to rise further as the therapeutic indications for ICIs expand to encompass a wider range of malignancies. The diagnosis and treatment of CIP is difficult due to the large individual differences in its pathogenesis and severity, and severe CIP often leads to a poor prognosis for patients. This review summarizes the current state of clinical research on the incidence, risk factors, predictive biomarkers, diagnosis, and treatment for CIP, and we address future directions for the prevention and accurate prediction of CIP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jun Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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4
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Rong Y, Bentley JP, Bhattacharya K, Yang Y, Chang Y, Earl S, Ramachandran S. Incidence and risk factors of immune-related adverse events induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors among older adults with non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6879. [PMID: 38164655 PMCID: PMC10807682 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6879] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment has been linked to a variety of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which can affect any organ system. The incidence and risk factors of irAEs have not been adequately evaluated among older adults with NSCLC. METHODS A cohort study was conducted using 1999-2019 SEER-Medicare data among beneficiaries aged ≥65 years with a diagnosis of NSCLC who received nivolumab, pembrolizumab, or atezolizumab. Incident irAEs were identified post-ICI initiation. Demographic, cancer-related characteristics, and clinical history risk factors of irAEs were evaluated with competing events considered. RESULTS A total of 8175 older NSCLC patients were included (with 46.8% experiencing irAEs). Pneumonitis (16.5%), hypothyroidism (10.5%), arrhythmia (11.18%), and acute kidney injury (AKI) (5.8%) were the most common irAEs. The median time to first irAE was 82 days (IQR: 29-182 days). The earliest onset of irAE occurrence was for hematologic irAEs, while the latest were gastrointestinal, dermatologic, and musculoskeletal irAEs. Fine-Gray regression modeling revealed significantly greater hazards of irAE occurrence in patients who received pembrolizumab at index, did not have CNS metastases, had a history of autoimmune disorder, and had chemotherapy in combination with ICI. Race, socioeconomic status, previous radiation therapy, and comorbidity burden were found to be associated with the occurrence of certain type of irAEs. CONCLUSION A significant proportion of older patients with NSCLC develop an irAE after receiving ICI treatment. Factors related to cancer and treatment as well as demographics contribute to the increased risk of irAEs. Close monitoring and prediction of irAE among older patients receiving ICI is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Rong
- Department of Pharmacy AdministrationUniversity of MississippiUniversityMississippiUSA
| | - John P. Bentley
- Department of Pharmacy AdministrationUniversity of MississippiUniversityMississippiUSA
- Center for Pharmaceutical Marketing and ManagementCenter for Pharmaceutical Marketing and ManagementUniversity of MississippiUniversityMississippiUSA
| | - Kaustuv Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacy AdministrationUniversity of MississippiUniversityMississippiUSA
- Center for Pharmaceutical Marketing and ManagementCenter for Pharmaceutical Marketing and ManagementUniversity of MississippiUniversityMississippiUSA
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Pharmacy AdministrationUniversity of MississippiUniversityMississippiUSA
| | - Yunhee Chang
- Department of Nutrition and Hospitality ManagementUniversity of MississippiUniversityMississippiUSA
| | - Sally Earl
- Department of Pharmacy PracticeUniversity of MississippiUniversityMississippiUSA
| | - Sujith Ramachandran
- Department of Pharmacy AdministrationUniversity of MississippiUniversityMississippiUSA
- Center for Pharmaceutical Marketing and ManagementCenter for Pharmaceutical Marketing and ManagementUniversity of MississippiUniversityMississippiUSA
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5
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Raghavan AA, Goutam S, Musto G, Geirnaert M, Ye C, O'Neil LJ, Graham J. Effectiveness and Safety of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Patients With Autoimmune Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Immunother 2023:00002371-990000000-00073. [PMID: 37937529 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment, patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases (PADs) have largely been excluded from clinical trials evaluating this drug class. This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of ICI therapy in individuals with PAD in a real-world setting. A retrospective study of patients exposed to ICI therapy between 2012 and 2019 was conducted. Patients with PAD were identified and matched to an ICI-exposed group without PAD based on age, sex, and cancer type. Primary outcomes included toxicity, time to treatment failure, overall survival, and objective response rate. The association between PAD status and outcomes was determined using Cox and logistic regression modeling. A total of 813 patients exposed to ICI therapy were identified, of which 8.2% (N=67) had a PAD. When compared with a matched cohort without PAD (N=132), there was no significant difference in the rates of new immune-related adverse events (irAEs, 42.4% in the non-PAD group vs. 47.8% in the PAD group, P=0.474). After controlling for the type of ICI, there was no significant association between PAD status and irAE (odds ratio 1.67, 95% CI: 0.9-3.21 P=0.1). There was no significant association between overall survival and PAD status (hazard ratio 1.12, 95% CI: 0.76-1.66. P=0.56) or between time to treatment failure and PAD status (hazard ratio 0.82, 95% CI: 0.6-1.12, P=0.22). There was an association between PAD status and objective response rate (odds ratio 3.28, 95% CI: 1.28-8.38, P=0.013). In summary, PAD status was not associated with enhanced toxicity when compared with patients without PAD, with similar oncologic effectiveness between these 2 groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sid Goutam
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba
- Shared Health Manitoba
| | | | | | - Carrie Ye
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Liam J O'Neil
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba
| | - Jeffrey Graham
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba
- CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
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6
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Aung WY, Lee CS, Morales J, Rahman H, Seetharamu N. Safety and Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Patients and Preexisting Autoimmune Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Clin Lung Cancer 2023; 24:598-612. [PMID: 37328320 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer patients with preexisting autoimmune diseases (AID) have been traditionally excluded from clinical trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) due to concerns for toxicity. As indications for ICI expand, more data are needed on the safety and efficacy of ICI treatment in cancer patients with AID. METHODS We systematically searched for studies consisting of NSCLC, AID, ICI, treatment response, and adverse events. Outcomes of interest include incidence of autoimmune flare, irAE, response rate, and ICI discontinuation. Study data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Data were extracted from 24 cohort studies, consisting of 11,567 cancer patients (3774 NSCLC patients and 1157 with AID). Pooled analysis revealed an AID flare incidence of 36% (95% CI, 27%-46%) in all cancers and 23% (95% CI, 9%-40%) in NSCLC. Preexisting AID was associated with an increased risk of de novo irAE in all cancer patients (RR 1.38, 95% CI, 1.16-1.65) and NSCLC patients (RR 1.51, 95% CI, 1.12-2.03). There was no difference in de novo grade 3 to 4 irAE and tumor response between cancer patients with and without AID. However, in NSCLC patients, preexisting AID was associated with a 2-fold increased risk of de novo grade 3 to 4 irAE (RR 1.95, 95% CI, 1.01-3.75) but also better tumor response in achieving a complete or partial response (RR 1.56, 95% CI, 1.19-2.04). CONCLUSIONS NSCLC patients with AID are at a higher risk of grade 3 to 4 irAE but are more likely to achieve treatment response. Prospective studies focused on optimizing immunotherapeutic strategies are needed to improve outcomes for NSCLC patients with AID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wint Yan Aung
- Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY
| | - Chung-Shien Lee
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, St. John's University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Queens, NY
| | - Jaclyn Morales
- Department of Clinical Medical Library, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY
| | - Husneara Rahman
- Institute of Health System Science, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research Biostatistics Unit, Manhasset, NY
| | - Nagashree Seetharamu
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Zuckerberg Cancer Institute, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY.
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Genta S, Lajkosz K, Yee NR, Spiliopoulou P, Heirali A, Hansen AR, Siu LL, Saibil S, Stayner LA, Yanekina M, Sauder MB, Keshavarzi S, Salawu A, Vornicova O, Butler MO, Bedard PL, Razak ARA, Rottapel R, Chruscinski A, Coburn B, Spreafico A. Autoimmune PaneLs as PrEdictors of Toxicity in Patients TReated with Immune Checkpoint InhibiTors (ALERT). J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:276. [PMID: 37865776 PMCID: PMC10589949 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02851-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) can lead to immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in a significant proportion of patients. The mechanisms underlying irAEs development are mostly unknown and might involve multiple immune effectors, such as T cells, B cells and autoantibodies (AutoAb). METHODS We used custom autoantigen (AutoAg) microarrays to profile AutoAb related to irAEs in patients receiving ICI. Plasma was collected before and after ICI from cancer patients participating in two clinical trials (NCT03686202, NCT02644369). A one-time collection was obtained from healthy controls for comparison. Custom arrays with 162 autoAg were used to detect IgG and IgM reactivities. Differences of median fluorescent intensity (MFI) were analyzed with Wilcoxon sign rank test and Kruskal-Wallis test. MFI 500 was used as threshold to define autoAb reactivity. RESULTS A total of 114 patients and 14 healthy controls were included in this study. irAEs of grade (G) ≥ 2 occurred in 37/114 patients (32%). We observed a greater number of IgG and IgM reactivities in pre-ICI collections from patients versus healthy controls (62 vs 32 p < 0.001). Patients experiencing irAEs G ≥ 2 demonstrated pre-ICI IgG reactivity to a greater number of AutoAg than patients who did not develop irAEs (39 vs 33 p = 0.040). We observed post-treatment increase of IgM reactivities in subjects experiencing irAEs G ≥ 2 (29 vs 35, p = 0.021) and a decrease of IgG levels after steroids (38 vs 28, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS Overall, these results support the potential role of autoAb in irAEs etiology and evolution. A prospective study is ongoing to validate our findings (NCT04107311).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Genta
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine Lajkosz
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Noelle R Yee
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pavlina Spiliopoulou
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alya Heirali
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aaron R Hansen
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lillian L Siu
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sam Saibil
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lee-Anne Stayner
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maryia Yanekina
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maxwell B Sauder
- Division of Dematology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sareh Keshavarzi
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Abdulazeez Salawu
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Olga Vornicova
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marcus O Butler
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Philippe L Bedard
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Albiruni R Abdul Razak
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Rottapel
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Bryan Coburn
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Spreafico
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Pizuorno Machado A, Shatila M, Liu C, Wang J, Altan M, Zhang HC, Thomas A, Wang Y. Immune-related adverse events after immune checkpoint inhibitor exposure in adult cancer patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:6341-6350. [PMID: 36752908 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04582-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy can predispose patients to immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and autoimmune disease (AD) flare-ups, but the characteristics of irAEs among patients with pre-existing ADs are largely unknown. We conducted this study to determine the clinical courses, irAEs, AD flares, treatment, and outcomes of patients with AD on ICIs. METHODS This was a retrospective study of adult cancer patients at a large cancer center who were diagnosed with ADs before undergoing ICI therapy. Patients' clinical courses, complications, treatments, and outcomes related to both ADs flares and irAEs were collected and analyzed. RESULTS The study included 197 patients. Most (55.4%) were women. Melanoma comprised the highest proportion (28.4%) of malignancies, and most (83.8%) patients received PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Fifty (25.3%) patients developed a new irAE after starting ICI therapy, while 29 (14.7%) patients had an AD flare-up. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease had the highest incidence of AD flare-ups (31.7%), while patients with Hashimoto hypothyroidism had the highest incidence of new irAEs (39.2%). Patients with inflammatory bowel disease had more severe adverse events. In our cohort, patients with a new diagnosis of irAE were treated with immunosuppressive therapy. AD flares were managed similarly. With regard to irAE manifestations, the most common presentations were colitis (24 [12.1%] patients), hepatic transaminase elevations (8 [4%] patients), and pneumonitis (7 [3.5%] patients). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that patients with gastrointestinal and rheumatologic ADs had a higher incidence of AD flare-ups, while patients with Hashimoto hypothyroidism and neurologic ADs had a higher incidence of new irAEs. Patients with prior ADs experiencing flare-ups or new irAEs after ICI therapy tend to require aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. Thorough evaluation of baseline disease status, appropriate medical management before ICI therapy, and early recognition of inflammatory exacerbation may help ensure long-term success in treating and improving outcomes in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pizuorno Machado
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Malek Shatila
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Unit 1466, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Cynthia Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jianbo Wang
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mehmet Altan
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hao Chi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Unit 1466, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Anusha Thomas
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Unit 1466, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yinghong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Unit 1466, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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9
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Ibis B, Aliazis K, Cao C, Yenyuwadee S, Boussiotis VA. Immune-related adverse effects of checkpoint immunotherapy and implications for the treatment of patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1197364. [PMID: 37342323 PMCID: PMC10277501 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1197364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past decade, there has been a revolution in cancer therapeutics by the emergence of antibody-based immunotherapies that modulate immune responses against tumors. These therapies have offered treatment options to patients who are no longer responding to classic anti-cancer therapies. By blocking inhibitory signals mediated by surface receptors that are naturally upregulated during activation of antigen-presenting cells (APC) and T cells, predominantly PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1, as well as CTLA-4, such blocking agents have revolutionized cancer treatment. However, breaking these inhibitory signals cannot be selectively targeted to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Since the physiologic role of these inhibitory receptors, known as immune checkpoints (IC) is to maintain peripheral tolerance by preventing the activation of autoreactive immune cells, IC inhibitors (ICI) induce multiple types of immune-related adverse effects (irAEs). These irAEs, together with the natural properties of ICs as gatekeepers of self-tolerance, have precluded the use of ICI in patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases (ADs). However, currently accumulating data indicates that ICI might be safely administered to such patients. In this review, we discuss mechanisms of well established and newly recognized irAEs and evolving knowledge from the application of ICI therapies in patients with cancer and pre-existing ADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betul Ibis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Konstantinos Aliazis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Carol Cao
- Division of Hematology-Oncology Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard College, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Sasitorn Yenyuwadee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Vassiliki A. Boussiotis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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10
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Seethapathy H, Herrmann SM, Rashidi A. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated AKI: Debates in Diagnosis, Management, and Rechallenge. Semin Nephrol 2023; 42:151346. [PMID: 37137187 DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2023.151346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now established treatments for advanced cancer and their use is now ubiquitous. The high upside of ICIs is tempered by their toxicity profile affecting almost every organ, including the kidneys. Although acute interstitial nephritis is the major kidney-related adverse effect of checkpoint inhibitors, other manifestations such as electrolyte abnormalities and renal tubular acidosis have been described. With increasing awareness and recognition of these events, the focus has shifted to non-invasive identification of ICI-acute interstitial nephritis, with sophisticated approaches involving biomarkers and immunologic signatures being studied. Although the management of immune-related adverse events with corticosteroids is straightforward, there now are more data to help guide immunosuppressive regimens, ICI rechallenge, and delineate risk and efficacy in special populations such as individuals on dialysis or those who have received a transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish Seethapathy
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| | | | - Arash Rashidi
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
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11
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Liu W, Luo Z, Liu Y, Sun B. Current landscape and tailored management of immune-related adverse events. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1078338. [PMID: 36950013 PMCID: PMC10025325 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1078338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiying Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiping Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bao Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Bao Sun,
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12
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Immune-checkpoint inhibitor use in patients with cancer and pre-existing autoimmune diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:641-656. [PMID: 36198831 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00841-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have dramatically changed the management of advanced cancers. Designed to enhance the antitumour immune response, they can also cause off-target immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which are sometimes severe. Although the efficacy of ICIs suggests that they could have wide-ranging benefits, clinical trials of the drugs have so far excluded patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease. However, evidence is accumulating with regard to the use of ICIs in this 'at-risk' population, with retrospective data suggesting that they have an acceptable safety profile, but that there is a risk of disease flare or other irAE occurrence. The management of immunosuppressive drugs at ICI initiation in patients with autoimmune disease (or later in instances of disease flare or irAE) remains a question of particular interest in clinical practice, in which there is always a search for the balance between protecting against autoimmunity and ensuring a good tumour response. Although temporary use of immunosuppressants seems safe, prolonged use or use at ICI initiation might hamper the antitumour immune response, prompting clinicians to use the minimal efficient immunosuppressive regimen. However, a new paradigm is emerging, in which inhibitors of TNF or IL-6 could have synergistic effects with ICIs on tumour response, while also preventing severe irAEs. If confirmed, this 'decoupling' effect on toxicity and efficacy could change therapeutic practice in this field. Knowledge of the current use of ICIs in patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease, particularly with regard to the use of immunosuppressive drugs and/or biologic DMARDs, can help to guide clinical practice.
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13
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Sun Q, Sun H, Wu N, Hu Y, Zhang F, Cong X. Patients with melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors who had non-thyroid endocrine and skin immune-related adverse events have better prognosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:976224. [PMID: 36185176 PMCID: PMC9515964 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.976224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several studies have reported an association between the occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and prognosis in patients with melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), but the results remain controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between irAEs and survival in patients with melanoma treated with ICIs. Methods We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases through May 5, 2022 for clinical studies evaluating the association between irAEs and in melanoma patients treated with ICIs. Combined hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models based on heterogeneity. Results A total of 60 articles were included, with 16,520 patients. In patients with melanoma treated with ICIs, the occurrence of irAEs was significantly associated with better OS (HR, 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51–0.66; P<0.00001) and PFS (HR, 0.61; 95%CI, 0.51–0.72; P<0.00001). Endocrine irAEs (OS, HR, 0.81; 95%CI, 0.72–0.92; P=0.001; PFS: HR, 0.84; 95%CI, 0.73–0.96, P=0.009), skin irAEs (OS, HR, 0.59; 95%CI, 0.41–0.85; P=0.004; PFS: HR, 0.43; 95%CI, 0.36–0.52; P<0.00001), vitiligo (OS, HR, 0.22; 95%CI, 0.15–0.31; P<0.00001; PFS, HR, 0.33; 95%CI, 0.25–0.44; P<0.00001), and grade 1–2 irAEs (OS, HR, 0.67; 95%CI, 0.58–0.78; P<0.00001; PFS, HR, 0.62; 95%CI, 0.51–0.76; P<0.00001) showed similar results. However, thyroid, lung, gastrointestinal, liver, and grade 3–4 irAEs were not significantly associated with OS and PFS. The occurrence of non-thyroid endocrine irAEs was significantly associated with better OS (HR, 0.22; 95%CI, 0.15–0.31; P<0.00001). In patients with melanoma treated with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (OS, HR, 0.61; 95%CI, 0.51–0.72; P<0.00001; PFS, HR, 0.59; 95%CI, 0.47–0.74; P<0.00001), the association between irAEs and clinical benefit was clearer than in patients treated with anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (OS, HR, 0.68; 95%CI, 0.52–0.89; P=0.005; PFS, HR, 0.93; 95%CI, 0.49–1.78; P=0.83). Conclusion Among patients with melanoma treated with ICIs, those who developed non-thyroid endocrine irAEs and cutaneous irAEs have better prognosis. This suggests that non-thyroid endocrine irAEs and cutaneous irAEs may be a prognostic biomarker for patients with melanoma treated with ICIs. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022338308.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Sun
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyan Sun
- Department of Biobank, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Department of Biobank, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fangqing Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianling Cong
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Biobank, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Xianling Cong,
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14
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Živković SA, Al-Lahham T. Neurologic Complications of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Neurology 2022. [DOI: 10.17925/usn.2022.18.1.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
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).
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Smithy JW, Faleck DM, Postow MA. Facts and Hopes in Prediction, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Immune-Related Adverse Events. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 28:1250-1257. [PMID: 34921018 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-1240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has expanded across a wide spectrum of oncology indications. Immune-related adverse events (irAE) from ICIs represent a significant source of morbidity, and in rare instances, can lead to treatment-related mortality. There are significant opportunities to better identify patients at increased risk for immune-related toxicity, diagnose irAEs more accurately and earlier in their course, and develop more individualized therapeutic strategies once complications arise. Clinical characteristics, germline and somatic genetic features, microbiome composition, and circulating biomarkers have all been associated with higher risk of developing irAEs in retrospective series. Many of these data suggest that both antitumor and anti-host ICI-associated immune reactions may be driven by common features of either the tumor or the patient's preexisting immune milieu. While irAE diagnosis is currently based on clinical history, exclusion of alternative etiologies, and sometimes pathologic confirmation, novel blood-based and radiographic assays are in development to identify these complications more precisely. Anecdotal reports and small case series have highlighted the potential role of targeted immunomodulatory agents to treat irAEs, though further prospective investigation is needed to evaluate more rigorously their use in these settings. In this review, we highlight the current state of knowledge about predicting, diagnosing, and treating irAEs with a translational focus and discuss emerging strategies which aim to improve each of these domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Smithy
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David M Faleck
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Michael A Postow
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. .,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
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