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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 PMCID: PMC11331889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2024.114148] [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: 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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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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Sparks JA. Pre-existing Autoimmune Diseases and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Cancer Treatment: Considerations About Initiation, Flares, Immune-Related Adverse Events, and Cancer Progression. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2024; 50:147-159. [PMID: 38670718 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly used to treat a variety of cancer types. Patients with preexisting autoimmune diseases may be vulnerable to underlying disease flare as well as immune-related adverse events from ICIs. There has also been concern that immunosuppression needed to control the autoimmune disease may blunt ICI efficacy. Much of the literature is focused on diverse preexisting autoimmune diseases, which may limit conclusions to specific diseases. There is a growing literature of specific diseases, such as preexisting rheumatoid arthritis, investigating outcomes after ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Sparks
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Road, Suite 6016U, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Liu X, Li S, Ke L, Cui H. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in Cancer patients with rheumatologic preexisting autoimmune diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:490. [PMID: 38632528 PMCID: PMC11025164 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12256-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with rheumatologic preexisting autoimmune disease (PAD) have not been enrolled in clinical trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Therefore, the risks and benefits of ICI therapy in such patients are unclear. Herein, we investigated the safety and efficacy of ICIs in rheumatologic PAD patients through a meta-analysis. METHODS The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched for additional studies. We analyzed the following data through Stata software: incidence of total irAEs (TirAEs), rate of flares, incidence of new on-set irAEs, rate of discontinuation, objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). RESULTS We identified 23 articles including 643 patients with rheumatologic PAD. The pooled incidences of TirAEs, flares and new-onset irAEs were 64% (95% CI 55%-72%), 41% (95% CI 31%-50%), and 33% (95% CI 28%-38%), respectively. In terms of severity, the incidences were 7% (95% CI 2%-14%) for Grade 3-4 flares and 12% (95% CI 9%-15%) for Grade 3-4 new-onset irAEs. Patients with RA had a greater risk of flares than patients with other rheumatologic PADs did (RR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.03-1.77). The ORR and DCR were 30% and 44%, respectively. Baseline anti-rheumatic treatment was not significantly associated with the frequency of flares (RR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.63-1.77) or the ORR (RR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.12-1.69). CONCLUSIONS Patients with rheumatologic PAD, particularly those with RA, are susceptible to relapse of their rheumatologic disease following ICI therapy. ICIs are also effective for treating rheumatologic PAD patients. PROSPECTIVE REGISTER OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS (PROSPERO): number CRD 42,023,439,702.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Su Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Liyuan Ke
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Hongxia Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China.
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McCarter KR, Arabelovic S, Wang X, Wolfgang T, Yoshida K, Qian G, Kowalski EN, Vanni KMM, LeBoeuf NR, Buchbinder EI, Gedmintas L, MacFarlane LA, Rao DA, Shadick NA, Gravallese EM, Sparks JA. Immunomodulator use, risk factors and management of flares, and mortality for patients with pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis after immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2024; 64:152335. [PMID: 38100899 PMCID: PMC10842881 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2023.152335] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate immunomodulator use, risk factors and management for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) flares, and mortality for patients with pre-existing RA initiating immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) for cancer. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients with RA meeting 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria that initiated ICI for cancer at Mass General Brigham or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA (2011-2022). We described immunomodulator use and changes at baseline of ICI initiation. We identified RA flares after baseline, categorized the severity, and described the management. Baseline factors were examined for RA flare risk using Fine and Gray competing risk models. We performed a landmark analysis to limit the potential for immortal time bias, where the analysis started 3 months after ICI initiation. Among those who survived at least 3 months, we examined whether RA flare within 3 months after ICI initiation was associated with mortality using Cox regression. RESULTS Among 11,901 patients who initiated ICI for cancer treatment, we analyzed 100 pre-existing RA patients (mean age 70.3 years, 63 % female, 89 % on PD-1 monotherapy, 50 % lung cancer). At ICI initiation, 71 % were seropositive, 82 % had remission/low RA disease activity, 24 % were on glucocorticoids, 35 % were on conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and 10 % were on biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs. None discontinued glucocorticoids and 3/35 (9 %) discontinued DMARDs in anticipation of starting ICI. RA flares occurred in 46 % (incidence rate 1.84 per 1000 person-months, 95 % CI 1.30, 2.37); 31/100 flared within 3 months of baseline. RA flares were grade 1 in 16/46 (35 %), grade 2 in 25/46 (54 %), and grade 3 in 5/46 (11 %); 2/46 (4 %) required hospitalization for RA flare. Concomitant immune-related adverse events occurred in 15/46 (33 %) that flared. A total of 72/100 died during follow-up; 21 died within 3 months of baseline. Seropositivity had an age-adjusted sdHR of 1.95 (95 % CI 1.02, 3.71) for RA flare compared to seronegativity, accounting for competing risk of death. Otherwise, no baseline factors were associated with RA flare, including cancer type, disease activity, RA duration, and deformities. 9/46 (20 %) patients had their ICI discontinued/paused due to RA flares. In the landmark analysis among 79 patients who survived at least 3 months, RA flare in the first 3 months was not associated with lower mortality (adjusted HR 1.24, 95 % CI 0.71, 2.16) compared to no RA flare. CONCLUSION Among patients with pre-existing RA, few changed immunomodulator medications in anticipation of starting ICI, but RA flares occurred in nearly half. RA flares were mostly mild and treated with typical therapies. Seropositivity was associated with RA flare risk. A minority had severe RA flares requiring disruption of ICI, and RA flares were not associated with mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin R McCarter
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Senada Arabelovic
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Xiaosong Wang
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Taylor Wolfgang
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kazuki Yoshida
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Grace Qian
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Emily N Kowalski
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M M Vanni
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nicole R LeBoeuf
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth I Buchbinder
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lydia Gedmintas
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lindsey A MacFarlane
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Deepak A Rao
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nancy A Shadick
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ellen M Gravallese
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey A Sparks
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.
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Kocheise L, Piseddu I, Vonderlin J, Tjwa ET, Buescher G, Meunier L, Goeggelmann P, Fianchi F, Dumortier J, Riveiro Barciela M, Gevers TJG, Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Londoño MC, Frankova S, Roesner T, Joerg V, Schmidt C, Glaser F, Sutter JP, Fründt TW, Lohse AW, Huber S, von Felden J, Sebode M, Schulze K. PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint therapy demonstrates favorable safety profile in patients with autoimmune and cholestatic liver disease. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1326078. [PMID: 38268921 PMCID: PMC10805832 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1326078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized the treatment of many malignancies in recent years. However, immune-related adverse events (irAE) are a frequent concern in clinical practice. The safety profile of ICI for the treatment of malignancies in patients diagnosed with autoimmune and cholestatic liver disease (AILD) remains unclear. Due to this uncertainty, these patients were excluded from ICI clinical trials and ICI are withheld from this patient group. In this retrospective multicenter study, we assessed the safety of ICI in patients with AILD. Methods We contacted tertiary referral hospitals for the identification of AILD patients under ICI treatment in Europe via the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER). Fourteen centers contributed data on AILD patients with malignancies being treated with ICI, another three centers did not treat these patients with ICI due to fear of irAEs. Results In this study, 22 AILD patients under ICI treatment could be identified. Among these patients, 12 had primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), five had primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), four had autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and one patient had an AIH-PSC variant syndrome. Eleven patients had hepatobiliary cancers and the other 11 patients presented with non-hepatic tumors. The applied ICIs were atezolizumab (n=7), durvalumab (n=5), pembrolizumab (n=4), nivolumab (n=4), spartalizumab (n=1), and in one case combined immunotherapy with nivolumab plus ipilimumab. Among eight patients who presented with grade 1 or 2 irAEs, three demonstrated liver irAEs. Cases with grades ≥ 3 irAEs were not reported. No significant changes in liver tests were observed during the first year after the start of ICI. Discussion This European multicenter study demonstrates that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors appear to be safe in patients with AILD. Further studies on the safety of more potent dual immune checkpoint therapy are needed. We conclude that immunotherapy should not categorically be withheld from patients with AILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Kocheise
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ignazio Piseddu
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, Munich, Germany
| | - Joscha Vonderlin
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eric T. Tjwa
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Gustav Buescher
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lucy Meunier
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
- Service Hépato-Gastro Entérologie, Hôpital St-Eloi, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Pia Goeggelmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Francesca Fianchi
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
- CEMAD-Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Jérôme Dumortier
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
- Service d’hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital Edouard Herriot – Hospices civils de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Mar Riveiro Barciela
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Valle d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tom J. G. Gevers
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Nutrim School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
- Epatocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
- MowatLabs, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria-Carlota Londoño
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, FCRB-IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sona Frankova
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Thomas Roesner
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center of Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vincent Joerg
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Constantin Schmidt
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Glaser
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan P. Sutter
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorben W. Fründt
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar W. Lohse
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Samuel Huber
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johann von Felden
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcial Sebode
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kornelius Schulze
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
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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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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: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [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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9
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Freitas JDAS, Bendicho MT, Júnior ADFS. Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of patients with cancer and preexisting autoimmune disease: An integrative review. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2023:10781552231171881. [PMID: 37161281 DOI: 10.1177/10781552231171881] [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: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Checkpoint inhibitors (PCI) have reached an important place in the pharmaceutical market in the treatment of various types of cancer. However, due to immune-related adverse events (IRAE) to the treatment, patients with preexisting autoimmune diseases (PAD) are excluded from clinical studies, leading to a large gap in knowledge on this topic. This study aims to discuss the use of PCI in the patients with cancer and PAD by an integrative review. METHODS For this integrative review we carried out research from 2013 to 2022 using database platforms for observational studies reporting data from safety and efficacy of PCI in patients with cancer and PAD. RESULTS The search resulted in 161 articles and after applying the exclusion criteria, 15 clinical studies that adopted a retrospective observational design were selected and analyzed. The age range of patients was 54-71 years, with 19-68% male. The proportion of patients clinically active or receiving immunosuppressants who were initiated on PCI ranged from 0% to 57% and 14% to 73%, respectively. The mean reported follow-up time ranged from 8.0 to 16.8 months. The occurrence of an outbreak or the new IRAE had an average of 32.6%. CONCLUSION IRAE are frequent in patients who use PCI and have cancer and PAD, carrying discontinuation of therapy. However, the multidisciplinary team needs to be aligned to manage these situations in the best way.
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10
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McCarter KR, Wolfgang T, Arabelovic S, Wang X, Yoshida K, Banasiak EP, Qian G, Kowalski EN, Vanni KM, LeBoeuf NR, Buchbinder EI, Gedmintas L, MacFarlane LA, Rao DA, Shadick NA, Gravallese EM, Sparks JA. Mortality and immune-related adverse events after immune checkpoint inhibitor initiation for cancer among patients with pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective, comparative, cohort study. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2023; 5:e274-e283. [PMID: 37841635 PMCID: PMC10571093 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(23)00064-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Patients with pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis initiating immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer might be at risk of increased mortality, rheumatoid arthritis flares, and other immune-related adverse events (AEs). We aimed to determine whether pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis was associated with higher mortality and immune-related AE risk in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Methods This retrospective, comparative cohort study was conducted at the Mass General Brigham Integrated Health Care System and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston (MA, USA). We searched data repositories to identify all individuals who initiated immune checkpoint inhibitors from April 1, 2011, to April 21, 2021. Patients with pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis had to meet the 2010 American College of Rheumatology-European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (ACR-EULAR) criteria. For each pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis case, we matched up to three non-rheumatoid arthritis comparators at the index date of immune checkpoint inhibitor initiation by sex (recorded as male or female), calendar year, immune checkpoint inhibitor target, and cancer type and stage. The coprimary outcomes were time from index date to death and time to the first immune-related AE, measured using an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model. Deaths were identified by medical record and obituary review. Rheumatoid arthritis flares and immune-related AE presence, type, and severity were determined by medical record review. Findings We identified 11 901 patients who initiated immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment between April 1, 2011, and April 21, 2021; of those, 101 met the 2010 ACR-EULAR criteria for rheumatoid arthritis. We successfully matched 87 patients with pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis to 203 non-rheumatoid arthritis comparators. The median age was 71·2 years (IQR 63·2-77·1). 178 (61%) of 290 participants were female, 112 (39%) were male and 268 (92%) participants were White. PD-1 was the most common immune checkpoint inhibitor target (80 [92%] of 87 patients with rheumatoid arthritis vs 188 [93%] of 203 comparators). Lung cancer was the most common cancer type (43 [49%] vs 114 [56%]), followed by melanoma (21 [24%] vs 50 [25%]). 60 (69%) patients with rheumatoid arthritis versus 127 (63%) comparators died (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] of 1·16 [95% CI 0·86-1·57]; p=0·34). 53 (61%) patients with rheumatoid arthritis versus 99 (49%) comparators had any all-grade immune-related AE (adjusted HR 1·72 [95% CI 1·20-2·47]; p=0·0032). There were two (1%) grade 5 immune-related AEs (deaths) due to myocarditis, both in the comparator group. Rheumatoid arthritis flares occurred in 42 (48%) patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory arthritis occurred in 14 (7%) comparators (p<0·0001). Those with rheumatoid arthritis were less likely to have rash or dermatitis (five [6%] vs 28 [14%]; p=0·048), endocrinopathy (two [2%] vs 22 [11%]; p=0·0078), colitis or enteritis (six [7%] vs 28 [14%] comparators; p=0·094), and hepatitis (three [3%] vs 19 [9%]; p=0·043). Interpretation Patients with pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis initiating immune checkpoint inhibitors had similar risk of mortality and severe immune-related AEs as matched comparators. Although patients with pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis were more likely to have immune-related AEs, this finding was mostly due to mild rheumatoid arthritis flares. These results suggest that this patient population can safely receive immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment. Funding None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin R. McCarter
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Taylor Wolfgang
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Senada Arabelovic
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xiaosong Wang
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kazuki Yoshida
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily P. Banasiak
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Grace Qian
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily N. Kowalski
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kathleen M.M. Vanni
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicole R. LeBoeuf
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth I. Buchbinder
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lydia Gedmintas
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lindsey A. MacFarlane
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Deepak A. Rao
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nancy A. Shadick
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ellen M. Gravallese
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Sparks
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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Lusa A, Alvarez C, Saxena Beem S, Schwartz TA, Ishizawar R. Immune-related adverse events in patients with pre-existing autoimmune rheumatologic disease on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. BMC Rheumatol 2022; 6:64. [PMID: 36345032 PMCID: PMC9641936 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-022-00297-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) enhance the immune system’s ability to target and destroy cancer cells, but this non-specific immune overactivation can result in immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Patients with underlying autoimmune diseases were excluded from the original ICI clinical trials because of the theoretical risk of irAEs. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of irAEs in patients with pre-existing rheumatologic diseases on ICIs, impact of anti-rheumatic therapy on irAEs, and malignancy outcomes.
Methods
We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with a pre-existing rheumatologic diagnosis receiving ICIs at the University of North Carolina from 2014 to 2019. Risk differences (RD) and asymptotic 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) using a continuity correction along with odds ratios (OR) and exact 95% CIs were produced between pre-specified risk factors and flares of the underlying rheumatologic disease and/or irAEs. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates for time to unfavorable cancer response between subsets of patients were compared using the log-rank test.
Results
We identified 45 patients receiving an ICI with an underlying rheumatologic diagnosis, including 22 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Overall, 13 patients (29%) had a flare of their autoimmune disease, 20 patients (44%) had a new-onset irAE, and 27 (60%) had either a flare or new-onset irAE. Patients with RA had higher risk of flares compared to those with other rheumatologic disorders (45% vs 13%, RD 32%, 95% CI 2.0–56.8); all RA flares were ≤ grade 2 and treated in the outpatient setting. Concurrent treatment of the rheumatologic disease at the start of ICI therapy was not associated with a reduced risk of flare (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.19–3.76) or new onset irAE (OR 3.21, 95% CI 0.83–13.6) compared to those not on anti-rheumatic medications. Anti-rheumatic therapy did not impact time to unfavorable malignancy outcome (p = 0.52).
Conclusion
The majority of our study cohort experienced a flare or new onset irAE with ICI treatment. Treatment with anti-rheumatic therapy did not prevent disease flares or new onset irAEs, but did not negatively impact malignancy outcomes. Research is needed to determine safe anti-rheumatic therapy options to prevent flares and irAEs that do not interfere with malignancy outcomes.
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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: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [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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Snavely A, Pérez-Torres EJ, Weber JS, Sandigursky S, Thawani S. Immune checkpoint inhibition in patients with inactive pre-existing neuepuromuscular autoimmune diseases. J Neurol Sci 2022; 438:120275. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Mor A, Strazza M. Bridging the Gap: Connecting the Mechanisms of Immune-Related Adverse Events and Autoimmunity Through PD-1. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:790386. [PMID: 35047501 PMCID: PMC8762228 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.790386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (anti-CTLA-4), anti-programmed cell death 1 ligand (anti-PD-1), and anti-PD-L1 antibodies as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) revolutionized the treatment of numerous types of tumors. These antibodies, both alone and in combination, provide great clinical efficacy as evidenced by tumor regression and increased overall patients' survival. However, with this success comes multiple challenges. First, while patients who respond to ICIs have outstanding outcomes, there remains a large proportion of patients who do not respond at all. This all-or-none response has led to looking downstream of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) for additional therapeutic targets and for new combination therapies. Second, a majority of patients who receive ICIs go on to develop immune-related adverse events (irAEs) characterized by end-organ inflammation with T-cell infiltrates. The hallmarks of these clinically observed irAEs share many similarities with primary autoimmune diseases. The contribution of PD-1 to peripheral tolerance is a major mechanism for protection against expansion of self-reactive T-cell clones and autoimmune disease. In this review, we aim to bridge the gaps between our cellular and molecular knowledge of PD-1 signaling in T cells, ICI-induced irAEs, and autoimmune diseases. We will highlight shared mechanisms and the potential for new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Mor
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marianne Strazza
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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15
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Dietz H, Weinmann SC, Salama AK. Checkpoint Inhibitors in Melanoma Patients with Underlying Autoimmune Disease. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:8199-8208. [PMID: 34754240 PMCID: PMC8572012 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s283217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has dramatically changed the clinical management of metastatic melanoma and other solid tumors. Despite exclusion from initial clinical trials, there is a growing body of retrospective data that suggest ICI can be used in patients with underlying autoimmune disease (AID) with a tolerable level of anticipated immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and a rate of severe irAEs comparable to that of patients without underlying AID. Coordination with other subspecialists and careful monitoring for irAEs is critical in safely managing these patients. Studies exploring novel approaches examining the use of targeted immunosuppressants in the prevention and management of irAEs, as well as multiple studies currently underway are aimed at establishing safe clinical practices when using ICI in patients with underlying AID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary Dietz
- Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sophia C Weinmann
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - April K Salama
- Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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16
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Klee G, Kisch T, Kümpers C, Perner S, Schinke S, Zillikens D, Langan EA, Terheyden P. The treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma with immune checkpoint inhibitors: implications for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2021; 5:rkab037. [PMID: 34622124 PMCID: PMC8493100 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkab037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, highly aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer, which typically affects elderly and immunocompromised and/or immunosuppressed patients. The checkpoint inhibitor avelumab, a mAb targeting the anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1), has revolutionized the treatment of metastatic MCC, achieving dramatic improvements in disease control and overall survival. However, checkpoint inhibitors are associated with the development of immune-related adverse events, such as exacerbation of pre-existing RA. Although most immune-related adverse events can be managed successfully with CSs, their frequent and/or long-term use runs the risk of undermining the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition. Methods We report two cases of MCC, in which immunosuppressive therapy for the management of RA was administered. Results Immunosuppression for (i) pre-existing and (ii) immune checkpoint inhibitor-exacerbated RA was associated with progression of metastatic MCC. Conclusion Any decision to initiate immunosuppressive treatment for RA in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy should include careful consideration of the risk of potentially fatal cancer progression and be taken after consultation with the patient’s oncologist and rheumatologist. When the immunosuppressive treatment is required, it should be administered for as short a time as possible and under strict clinical and radiological surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tobias Kisch
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Luebeck
| | | | - Sven Perner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck.,Pathology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel
| | - Susanne Schinke
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | | | - Ewan A Langan
- Department of Dermatology.,Dermatological Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Fountzilas E, Lampaki S, Koliou GA, Koumarianou A, Levva S, Vagionas A, Christopoulou A, Laloysis A, Psyrri A, Binas I, Mountzios G, Kentepozidis N, Kotsakis A, Saloustros E, Boutis A, Nikolaidi A, Fountzilas G, Georgoulias V, Chrysanthidis M, Kotteas E, Vo H, Tsiatas M, Res E, Linardou H, Daoussis D, Bompolaki I, Andreadou A, Papaxoinis G, Spyratos D, Gogas H, Syrigos KN, Bafaloukos D. Real-world safety and efficacy data of immunotherapy in patients with cancer and autoimmune disease: the experience of the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:327-337. [PMID: 34164709 PMCID: PMC8783878 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-02985-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on the safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in patients with concurrent autoimmune diseases (AID) are limited. METHODS We performed a retrospective multicenter review of medical records of patients with cancer and underlying AID who received ICI. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS Among 123 patients with pre-existing AID who received ICI, the majority had been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, 68.3%) and melanoma (14.6%). Most patients had a rheumatologic (43.9%), or an endocrine disorder (21.1%). Overall, 74 (60.2%) patients experienced an immune-related adverse event (irAE) after ICI initiation, AID flare (25.2%), or new irAE (35%). Frequent irAEs included thyroiditis, dermatitis and colitis. ICI was permanently discontinued due to unacceptable (8.1%) or fatal (0.8%) toxicity. In patients with NSCLC, corticosteroid treatment at the initiation of immunotherapy was associated with poor PFS (HR = 2.78, 95% CI 1.40-5.50, p = 0.003). The occurrence of irAE was associated with increased PFS (HR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.25-0.92, p = 0.026). Both parameters maintained their independent prognostic significance. CONCLUSIONS ICI in patients with cancer and pre-existing AID is associated with manageable toxicity that infrequently requires treatment discontinuation. However, since severe AID flare might occur, expected ICI efficacy and toxicity must be balanced. CLINICAL TRIAL IDENTIFIER NCT04805099.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Fountzilas
- Second Department of Medical Oncology, Euromedica General Clinic of Thessaloniki, Gravias 5, 54645, Thessaloniki, Greece. .,European University Cyprus, Engomi, Cyprus.
| | - Sofia Lampaki
- Pulmonary Department, Lung Cancer Oncology Unit, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, G. Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Anna Koumarianou
- Hematology-Oncology Unit, Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Levva
- Department of Medical Oncology, Bioclinic of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Medical Oncology, Interbalkan Medical Center, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Amanda Psyrri
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Binas
- Second Department of Medical Oncology, Metropolitan Hospital, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Giannis Mountzios
- Fourth Department of Medical Oncology and Clinical Trials Unit, Henry Dunant Hospital Center, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Athanassios Kotsakis
- Department of Oncology, School of Health Sciences, University General Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Saloustros
- Department of Oncology, School of Health Sciences, University General Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Anastasios Boutis
- First Department of Clinical Oncology, Theagenio Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - George Fountzilas
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Hellenic Foundation for Cancer Research/Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,German Oncology Center, Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Elias Kotteas
- Oncology Unit GPP, Sotiria General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Henry Vo
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marinos Tsiatas
- Department of Oncology, Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Res
- Third Department of Medical Oncology, Agii Anargiri Cancer Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Helena Linardou
- Fourth Oncology Department, Metropolitan Hospital, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Daoussis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras University Hospital, Rion, Greece
| | | | - Anna Andreadou
- Third Department of Medical Oncology, Theagenio Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Papaxoinis
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Agios Savvas Cancer Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dionisios Spyratos
- Pulmonary Department, Lung Cancer Oncology Unit, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, G. Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Helen Gogas
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos N Syrigos
- Oncology Unit GPP, Sotiria General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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18
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Lodde G, Forschner A, Hassel J, Wulfken LM, Meier F, Mohr P, Kähler K, Schilling B, Loquai C, Berking C, Hüning S, Schatton K, Gebhardt C, Eckardt J, Gutzmer R, Reinhardt L, Glutsch V, Nikfarjam U, Erdmann M, Stang A, Kowall B, Roesch A, Ugurel S, Zimmer L, Schadendorf D, Livingstone E. Factors Influencing the Adjuvant Therapy Decision: Results of a Real-World Multicenter Data Analysis of 904 Melanoma Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2319. [PMID: 34065995 PMCID: PMC8151445 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adjuvant treatment of melanoma patients with immune-checkpoint inhibition (ICI) and targeted therapy (TT) significantly improved recurrence-free survival. This study investigates the real-world situation of 904 patients from 13 German skin cancer centers with an indication for adjuvant treatment since the approval of adjuvant ICI and TT. From adjusted log-binomial regression models, we estimated relative risks for associations between various influence factors and treatment decisions (adjuvant therapy yes/no, TT vs. ICI in BRAF mutant patients). Of these patients, 76.9% (95% CI 74-80) opted for a systemic adjuvant treatment. The probability of starting an adjuvant treatment was 26% lower in patients >65 years (RR 0.74, 95% CI 68-80). The most common reasons against adjuvant treatment given by patients were age (29.4%, 95% CI 24-38), and fear of adverse events (21.1%, 95% CI 16-28) and impaired quality of life (11.9%, 95% CI 7-16). Of all BRAF-mutated patients who opted for adjuvant treatment, 52.9% (95% CI 47-59) decided for ICI. Treatment decision for TT or ICI was barely associated with age, gender and tumor stage, but with comorbidities and affiliated center. Shortly after their approval, adjuvant treatments have been well accepted by physicians and patients. Age plays a decisive role in the decision for adjuvant treatment, while pre-existing autoimmune disease and regional differences influence the choice between TT or ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Lodde
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (G.L.); (A.R.); (S.U.); (L.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Andrea Forschner
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (A.F.); (J.E.)
| | - Jessica Hassel
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Lena M. Wulfken
- Skin Cancer Center Hannover, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.M.W.); (R.G.)
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre Dresden and National Center for Tumor Diseases, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (F.M.); (L.R.)
| | - Peter Mohr
- Department of Dermatology, Elbe Kliniken Stade-Buxtehude, 21614 Buxtehude, Germany;
| | - Katharina Kähler
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Bastian Schilling
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany; (B.S.); (V.G.)
| | - Carmen Loquai
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (C.L.); (U.N.)
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, CCC-Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.B.); (M.E.)
| | - Svea Hüning
- Department of Dermatology, Klinikum Dortmund gGmbH, 44137 Dortmund, Germany;
| | - Kerstin Schatton
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Christoffer Gebhardt
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Hamburg, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Julia Eckardt
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (A.F.); (J.E.)
| | - Ralf Gutzmer
- Skin Cancer Center Hannover, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.M.W.); (R.G.)
| | - Lydia Reinhardt
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre Dresden and National Center for Tumor Diseases, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (F.M.); (L.R.)
| | - Valerie Glutsch
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany; (B.S.); (V.G.)
| | - Ulrike Nikfarjam
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (C.L.); (U.N.)
| | - Michael Erdmann
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, CCC-Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.B.); (M.E.)
| | - Andreas Stang
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (A.S.); (B.K.)
| | - Bernd Kowall
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (A.S.); (B.K.)
| | - Alexander Roesch
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (G.L.); (A.R.); (S.U.); (L.Z.); (D.S.)
- German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Partner Site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Selma Ugurel
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (G.L.); (A.R.); (S.U.); (L.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (G.L.); (A.R.); (S.U.); (L.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (G.L.); (A.R.); (S.U.); (L.Z.); (D.S.)
- German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Partner Site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Livingstone
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (G.L.); (A.R.); (S.U.); (L.Z.); (D.S.)
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19
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Tang H, Zhou J, Bai C. The Efficacy and Safety of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With Cancer and Preexisting Autoimmune Disease. Front Oncol 2021; 11:625872. [PMID: 33692958 PMCID: PMC7937882 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.625872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) is a revolutionary breakthrough in the field of cancer treatment. Because of dysregulated activation of the immune system, patients with autoimmune disease (AID) are usually excluded from ICI clinical trials. Due to a large number of cancer patients with preexisting AID, the safety and efficacy of ICIs in these patients deserve more attention. This review summarizes and analyzes the data regarding ICI therapy in cancer patients with preexisting AID from 17 published studies. Available data suggests that the efficacy of ICIs in AID patients is comparable to that in the general population, and the incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) is higher but still manageable. It is recommended to administer ICIs with close monitoring of irAEs in patients with a possibly high benefit-risk ratio after a multidisciplinary discussion based on the patient's AID category and severity, the patient's tumor type and prognosis, alternative treatment options, and the patient's intention. Besides, the prevention and management of irAEs in AID patients have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianfeng Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chunmei Bai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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20
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Cappelli LC, Bingham CO. Expert Perspective: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Rheumatologic Complications. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020; 73:553-565. [PMID: 33186490 DOI: 10.1002/art.41587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatologists increasingly receive consults for patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for cancer. ICIs can cause inflammatory syndromes known as immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). Several rheumatic IRAEs have been reported, including inflammatory arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and myositis. For patients who present with musculoskeletal symptoms while receiving ICI therapy, it is important to have an algorithm for evaluation. The differential diagnosis includes a range of musculoskeletal syndromes, such as crystalline arthritis, mechanical issues, and osteoarthritis, in addition to IRAEs. After diagnosing a rheumatic IRAE, rheumatologists must work with the patient and the oncologist to form a treatment plan. Treatment of IRAEs is guided by severity. Evidence for management is limited to observational studies. Inflammatory arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica are treated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in mild cases, glucocorticoids for moderate-to-severe cases, and sometimes require other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Myositis due to ICIs can be accompanied by myocarditis or myasthenia gravis. Glucocorticoids and withholding the ICI are usually required to treat myositis; some patients with severe myositis require intravenous immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis. Further research is needed to optimize treatment of IRAEs that does not compromise the antitumor effect of ICIs.
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21
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Calabrese LH, Caporali R, Blank CU, Kirk AD. Modulating the wayward T cell: New horizons with immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments in autoimmunity, transplant, and cancer. J Autoimmun 2020; 115:102546. [PMID: 32980229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The T-cell response is regulated by the balance between costimulatory and coinhibitory signals. Immune checkpoints are essential for efficient T-cell activation, but also for maintaining self-tolerance and protecting tissues from damage caused by the immune system, and for providing protective immunity. Modulating immune checkpoints can serve diametric goals, such that blocking a coinhibitory molecule can unleash anti-cancer immunity whereas stimulating the same molecule can reduce an over-reaction in autoimmune disease. The purpose of this review is to examine the regulation of T-cell costimulation and coinhibition, which is central to the processes underpinning autoimmunity, transplant rejection and immune evasion in cancer. We will focus on the immunomodulation agents that regulate these unwanted over- and under-reactions. The use of such agents has led to control of symptoms and slowing of progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, reduced rejection rates in transplant patients, and prolonged survival in patients with cancer. The management of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in certain challenging patient populations, including patients with pre-existing autoimmune conditions or transplant patients who develop cancer, as well as the management of immune-related adverse events in patients receiving antitumor therapy, is examined. Finally, the future of immune checkpoint inhibitors, including examples of emerging targets that are currently in development, as well as recent insights gained using new molecular techniques, is discussed. T-cell costimulation and coinhibition play vital roles in these diverse therapeutic areas. Targeting immune checkpoints continues to be a powerful avenue for the development of agents suitable for treating autoimmune diseases and cancers and for improving transplant outcomes. Enhanced collaboration between therapy area specialists to share learnings across disciplines will improve our understanding of the opposing effects of treatments for autoimmune disease/transplant rejection versus cancer on immune checkpoints, which has the potential to lead to improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberto Caporali
- University of Milan, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health and Rheumatology Division, ASST Pini-CTO Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Allan D Kirk
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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22
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Loriot Y, Sternberg CN, Castellano D, Oosting SF, Dumez H, Huddart R, Vianna K, Alonso Gordoa T, Skoneczna I, Fay AP, Nolè F, Massari F, Brasiuniene B, Maroto P, Fear S, Di Nucci F, de Ducla S, Choy E. Safety and efficacy of atezolizumab in patients with autoimmune disease: Subgroup analysis of the SAUL study in locally advanced/metastatic urinary tract carcinoma. Eur J Cancer 2020; 138:202-211. [PMID: 32905959 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM Patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease (AID) are typically excluded from clinical trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors, and there are limited data on outcomes in this population. The single-arm international SAUL study of atezolizumab enrolled a broader 'real-world' patient population. We present outcomes in patients with a history of AID. METHODS Patients with locally advanced/metastatic urinary tract carcinoma received atezolizumab 1200 mg every 3 weeks until loss of clinical benefit or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end-point was safety. Overall survival (OS) was a secondary end-point. Subgroup analyses of AID patients were prespecified. RESULTS Thirty-five of 997 treated patients had AID at baseline, most commonly psoriasis (n = 15). Compared with non-AID patients, AID patients experienced numerically more adverse events (AEs) of special interest (46% versus 30%; grade ≥3 14% versus 6%) and treatment-related grade 3/4 AEs (26% versus 12%), but without relevant increases in treatment-related deaths (0% versus 1%) or AEs necessitating treatment discontinuation (9% versus 6%). Pre-existing AID worsened in four patients (11%; two flares in two patients); three of the six flares resolved, one was resolving, and two were unresolved. Efficacy was similar in AID and non-AID patients (median OS, 8.2 versus 8.8 months, respectively; median progression-free survival, 4.4 versus 2.2 months; disease control rate, 51% versus 39%). CONCLUSIONS In 35 atezolizumab-treated patients with pre-existing AID, incidences of special- interest and treatment-related AEs appeared acceptable. AEs were manageable, rarely requiring atezolizumab discontinuation. Treating these patients requires caution, but pre-existing AID does not preclude atezolizumab therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02928406.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohann Loriot
- Department of Cancer Medicine and INSERM U981, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
| | - Cora N Sternberg
- San Camillo and Forlanini Hospitals, Rome, Italy; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Daniel Castellano
- Medical Oncology Service, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sjoukje F Oosting
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Herlinde Dumez
- Department of General Medical Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Robert Huddart
- Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, UK.
| | - Karina Vianna
- Centro Integrado de Oncologia de Curitiba (CIONC), Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Teresa Alonso Gordoa
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Iwona Skoneczna
- Szpital św. Elżbiety, Mokotowskie Centrum Medyczne, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Andre P Fay
- Oncoclínicas Group, PUCRS School of Medicine, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Franco Nolè
- Medical Oncology Division of Urogenital and Head & Neck Tumours, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesco Massari
- Division of Oncology, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
| | | | - Pablo Maroto
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Simon Fear
- F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland.
| | | | | | - Ernest Choy
- CREATE Centre, Section of Rheumatology, Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK.
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23
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Williams SG, Mollaeian A, Katz JD, Gupta S. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced inflammatory arthritis: identification and management. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2020; 16:771-785. [PMID: 32772596 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2020.1804362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have proved to be groundbreaking in the field of oncology. However, immune system overactivation from ICIs has introduced a novel medical entity known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs), that can affect any organ or tissue. ICI-induced inflammatory arthritis (ICI-IIA) is the most common musculoskeletal irAE and can lead to significant morbidity and limitation in anti-cancer therapy. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors focus on ICI-IIA. Relevant articles were identified through PubMed searches, spanning 2010 to the present. The authors detail the current understanding of its pathogenesis, diagnostic evaluation, and management strategies. EXPERT OPINION ICI-IIA is a complex irAE that we are just beginning to understand mechanistically and pathologically. It often presents later in the disease course than other irAEs and, due to various reasons, is under-recognized. In some patients, ICI-IIA may become a chronic disease, which distinguishes it from most irAEs that resolve after ICI discontinuation. Multiple important questions still demand further research including which patients may develop ICI-IIA? What are possible diagnostic and prognostic markers? Do anti-arthritis therapies interfere with the anti-tumor response? and when should steroid-sparing agents be initiated? Close collaboration and shared decision-making between oncologists, rheumatologists, and the patient are essential when managing this particular irAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra G Williams
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH) , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Arash Mollaeian
- Department of Medicine, MedStar Health Internal Medicine Residency Program , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - James D Katz
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH) , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sarthak Gupta
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH) , Bethesda, MD, USA
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24
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Boland P, Pavlick AC, Weber J, Sandigursky S. Immunotherapy to treat malignancy in patients with pre-existing autoimmunity. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:e000356. [PMID: 32303614 PMCID: PMC7204615 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past 10 years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become an additional pillar of cancer therapy by activating the immune system to treat a number of different malignancies. Many patients receiving ICIs develop immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that mimic some features of classical autoimmune diseases. Unfortunately, patients with underlying autoimmune conditions, many of whom have an increased risk for malignancy, have been excluded from clinical trials of ICIs due to a concern that they will have an increased risk of irAEs. Retrospective data from patients with autoimmune diseases and concomitant malignancy treated with ICIs are encouraging and suggest that ICIs may be tolerated safely in patients with specific autoimmune diseases, but there are no prospective data to guide management. In this manuscript, we review the relationship between pre-existing autoimmune disease and irAEs from checkpoint inhibitors. In addition, we assess the likelihood of autoimmune disease exacerbations in patients with pre-existing autoimmunity receiving ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Boland
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anna C Pavlick
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey Weber
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sabina Sandigursky
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
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