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Ozluk AA, Gunenc D, Yildirim SS, Karaca B. Tocilizumab in the treatment of steroid refractory immune-related hepatotoxicity: a case series and review of the literature. Melanoma Res 2024; 34:335-342. [PMID: 38691011 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
With the widespread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, management of immune-related adverse effects specific to these treatments became an important research era in patient management. Among these, immune-related hepatotoxicity (IRH) is an adverse event that can be fatal. While the first-line treatment of IRH is well established, there is still no consensus regarding the management approach for steroid-refractory, severe IRH. Here, we report four patients with metastatic melanoma who developed IRH during antiprogrammed cell death protein-1 plus anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 combination therapy and review of the literature. All of our patients were steroid-refractory and were successfully treated with tocilizumab. Given the rapid improvement in liver enzymes and patient's clinical status with tocilizumab, this treatment should be prioritized in steroid-refractory IRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Anil Ozluk
- Division of Tulay Aktas Oncology, Department of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, Turkey
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2
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Pozzessere C, Mazini B, Omoumi P, Jreige M, Noirez L, Digklia A, Fasquelle F, Sempoux C, Dromain C. Immune-Related Adverse Events Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and CAR-T Cell Therapy: A Comprehensive Imaging-Based Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2585. [PMID: 39061225 PMCID: PMC11274393 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16142585] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized oncology care, improving patient outcomes in several cancers. However, these therapies are also associated with typical immune-related adverse events due to the enhanced inflammatory and immune response. These toxicities can arise at any time during treatment but are more frequent within the first few months. Any organ and tissue can be affected, ranging from mild to life-threatening. While some manifestations are common and more often mild, such as dermatitis and colitis, others are rarer and more severe, such as myocarditis. Management depends on the severity, with treatment being held for >grade 2 toxicities. Steroids are used in more severe cases, and immunosuppressive treatment may be considered for non-responsive toxicities, along with specific organ support. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory for prompt identification and management. The diagnosis is primarily of exclusion. It often relies on imaging features, and, when possible, cytologic and/or pathological analyses are performed for confirmation. In case of clinical suspicion, imaging is required to assess the presence, extent, and features of abnormalities and to evoke and rule out differential diagnoses. This imaging-based review illustrates the diverse system-specific toxicities associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T-cells with a multidisciplinary perspective. Clinical characteristics, imaging features, cytological and histological patterns, as well as the management approach, are presented with insights into radiological tips to distinguish these toxicities from the most important differential diagnoses and mimickers-including tumor progression, pseudoprogression, inflammation, and infection-to guide imaging and clinical specialists in the pathway of diagnosing immune-related adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pozzessere
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bianca Mazini
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Omoumi
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mario Jreige
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Leslie Noirez
- Department of Pulmonology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Antonia Digklia
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - François Fasquelle
- Department of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christine Sempoux
- Department of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Clarisse Dromain
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Townsend MJ, Benque IJ, Li M, Grover S. Review article: Contemporary management of gastrointestinal, pancreatic and hepatic toxicities of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:1350-1365. [PMID: 38590108 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective oncologic agents which frequently cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs) which can impact multiple organ systems. Onco-Gastroenterology is a novel and emerging subspecialty within gastroenterology focused on cancer treatment-related complications. Gastroenterologists must be prepared to identify and manage diverse immune-mediated toxicities including enterocolitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis and other ICI-induced toxicities. AIM To provide a narrative review of the epidemiology, diagnostic evaluation and management of checkpoint inhibitor-induced gastrointestinal and hepatic toxicities. METHODS We searched Cochrane and PubMed databases for articles published through August 2023. RESULTS Gastrointestinal and hepatic irAEs include most commonly enterocolitis and hepatitis, but also pancreatitis, oesophagitis, gastritis, motility disorders (gastroparesis) and other rarer toxicities. Guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Society of Clinical Oncology and European Society for Medical Oncology, in combination with emerging cohort and clinical trial data, offer strategies for management of ICI toxicities. Evaluation of irAEs severity by formal classification and clinical stability, and a thorough workup for alternative etiologies which may clinically mimic irAEs underlie initial management. Treatments include corticosteroids, biologics and other immunosuppressive agents plus supportive care; decisions on dosing, timing and choice of steroid adjuncts and potential for subsequent checkpoint inhibitor dosing are nuanced and toxicity-specific. CONCLUSIONS Expanding clinical trial and cohort data have clarified the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of gastrointestinal, pancreatic and hepatic toxicities of ICIs. Guidelines, though valuable, remain based principally on retrospective cohort data. Quality prospective, controlled studies may refine algorithms for treatment and potential immunotherapy rechallenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Townsend
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Isaac J Benque
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael Li
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shilpa Grover
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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4
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Ruf T, Kramer R, Forschner A, Leiter U, Meier F, Reinhardt L, Dücker P, Ertl C, Tomsitz D, Tietze JK, Gutzmer R, Dabrowski E, Zimmer L, Gesierich A, Zierold S, French LE, Eigentler T, Amaral T, Heinzerling L. Second-line therapies for steroid-refractory immune-related adverse events in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Eur J Cancer 2024; 203:114028. [PMID: 38652976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2024.114028] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) induce adverse events (irAEs) that do not respond to steroids, i.e. steroid-refractory (sr) irAEs, and irAEs in which steroids cannot be tapered, i.e. steroid-dependent (sd) irAEs, in about 10% of cases. An evidence-based analysis of the effectiveness of second-line immunosuppressive agents with regard to irAE and tumor control is lacking. METHODS The international web-based Side Effect Registry Immuno-Oncology (SERIO; http://serio-registry.org) is a collaborative initiative with the Paul-Ehrlich-Institute to document rare, severe, complex or therapy-refractory immunotherapy-induced side effects. The registry was queried on August 1, 2023 for cases of irAEs which were treated with second-line therapies. RESULTS From a total of 1330 cases, 217 patients (16.3%) received 249 second-line therapies. A total of 19 different second-line therapies were employed, including TNF-alpha antagonists (46.5%), intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG; 19.1%), mycophenolate mofetil (15.9%), and methotrexate (3.6%). Therapy choices were determined by the type of irAE. The time to onset of sr-/sd-irAEs after ICI initiation did not consistently differ from steroid-responsive irAEs. While 74.3% of sr-/sd-irAEs resolved and 13.1% had improved, 4.3% persisted, 3.9% resulted in permanent sequelae, and 4.3% in death with ongoing symptoms. Infliximab exhibited potential for earlier symptom improvement compared to mycophenolate mofetil or IVIG. Tumor response in patients with second-line treated sd-/sr-irAE was similar to patients with irAEs treated with steroids only. CONCLUSION Several second-line therapies are effective against sr-/sd-irAEs, the second-line therapies show no clear negative impact on tumor response, and infliximab shows potential for faster improvement of symptoms. However, prospective comparative data are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Ruf
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; SERIO registry
| | - Rafaela Kramer
- Department of Dermatology, University Clinic Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; SERIO registry
| | - Andrea Forschner
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Leiter
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Lydia Reinhardt
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Pia Dücker
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Carolin Ertl
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; SERIO registry
| | - Dirk Tomsitz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia K Tietze
- Clinic for Dermatology and Venerology, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ralf Gutzmer
- Department of Dermatology, Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, Minden, Germany
| | | | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, Essen University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University of Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anja Gesierich
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Zierold
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; SERIO registry
| | - Lars E French
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Dr. Philip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Thomas Eigentler
- Department of Dermatology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Teresa Amaral
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lucie Heinzerling
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Dermatology, University Clinic Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; SERIO registry.
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Yue M, Li C, Li G. New advances in the study of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors-induced liver injury. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111799. [PMID: 38460297 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111799] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
The application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has made extraordinary achievements in tumor treatment. Among them, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors can improve the prognosis of advanced tumors, and have been widely used in clinical practice to treat many types of cancers. However, excessive immune response can also induce immune-related adverse events (irAEs) involving many organs. Of these, immune-related liver injury is the relatively common and carries the highest morbidity, which has attracted the attention of hepatologists all over the world. The incidence of this type of liver injury depends specifically on factors such as the type of drug being combined, viral infection, type of cancer and liver transplantation. Although there is no unanimity on the mechanism of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-induced liver injury, in this review, we also summarize the current evidence that provides insights into the pathogenesis of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-induced liver injury, including the fact that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors cause reactivation of CTLs, aberrant presentation of autoantigens, hepatic immune tolerance environment is disrupted, and cytokine secretion, among other effects. Patients usually develop liver injury after the use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, and clinical symptoms mainly include weakness, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, and jaundice. Histologically, the main manifestation is lobular hepatitis with lobular inflammatory infiltration. Since the specific biomarkers for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-associated liver injury have not been identified yet, alpha-fetoprotein, IL-6, and IL-33 have the potential to be biomarkers for predicting this type of liver injury in the future, but this requires further research. We also describe the examination and treatment of this type of liver injury, which usually includes eliminating related influencing factors, regularly monitoring liver function, temporarily retaining or permanently stopping ICIs treatment according to the severity of toxicity, and using corticosteroids. This review may provide useful information for the future clinical practice of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijun Yue
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Guohui Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
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Mok K, Wu C, Chan S, Wong G, Wong VWS, Ma B, Lui R. Clinical Management of Gastrointestinal and Liver Toxicities of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2024; 23:4-13. [PMID: 38172003 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2023.12.003] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed the treatment paradigm for various types of cancer. Nonetheless, with the utilization of these groundbreaking treatments, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are increasingly encountered. Colonic and hepatic involvement are among the most frequently encountered irAEs. Drug-induced side effects, infectious causes, and tumor-related symptoms are the key differentials for irAE complications. Potential risk factors for the development of irAEs include combination use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, past development of irAEs with other immunotherapy treatments, certain concomitant drugs, and a pre-existing personal or family history of autoimmune illness such as inflammatory bowel disease. The importance of early recognition, timely and proper management cannot be understated, as there are profound clinical implications on the overall cancer treatment plan and prognosis once these adverse events occur. Herein, we cover the clinical management of the well-established gastrointestinal irAEs of enterocolitis and hepatitis, and also provide an overview of several other emerging entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Mok
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Claudia Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephen Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Clinical Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Hong Kong Cancer Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Grace Wong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Brigette Ma
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rashid Lui
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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7
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Zhang Q, Chen L, Guo X, Shen L, Huang Y, Chen Y, Zhang N, Ge N, Gao H, Zhang W, Hou Y, Ji Y. Morphology of immune-mediated hepatitis: A comparison between immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and combined immune checkpoint inhibitor/anti-angiogenic therapy. Ann Diagn Pathol 2024; 68:152225. [PMID: 38016303 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2023.152225] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with anti-angiogenic drugs has shown promising anticancer effects. However, ICIs can trigger immune-mediated hepatitis (IMH). We aimed to clarify whether the combined use of anti-angiogenic drugs and ICIs would increase the severity of IMH. METHODS One hundred IMH patients (ICI monotherapy vs. ICI plus anti-angiogenic therapy 30 vs. 70) were retrospectively enrolled. Clinicopathological parameters were compared between the two groups. RESULTS IMH mainly showed variable degrees of panlobular hepatitis (84 %), while some cases presented mixed cholangio-hepatitic (14 %) or cholangitic (2 %) pattern. The incidence of moderate-severe injury was not significantly different between the two groups (combination vs. monotherapy 38.6 % vs. 20.0 %, p = 0.109). Specifically, the rates of marked lobular injury and portal inflammation were higher in the combination group than in the monotherapy cohort (p < 0.005), while the frequencies of interface hepatitis, bile duct injury, histiocytosis aggregates, and endothelialitis were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). Compared to mild IMH cases, severe IMH cases showed higher immunostaining expression levels of PD-L1 (60.7 % vs. 19.4 %, p < 0.0001). Treatments and outcomes of IMH were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared to ICI monotherapy, the administration of anti-angiogenic drugs in combination with ICIs was not associated with increased hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongyan Zhang
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Department of Pathology. 200032. Shanghai. China.
| | - Lingli Chen
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Department of Pathology. 200032. Shanghai. China.
| | - Xinxin Guo
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Department of Pathology. 200032. Shanghai. China.
| | - Licheng Shen
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Department of Pathology. 200032. Shanghai. China.
| | - Yufeng Huang
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Department of Pathology. 200032. Shanghai. China.
| | - Yi Chen
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Department of Liver Medical Oncology, 200032 Shanghai, China.
| | - Ningping Zhang
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Department of Gastroenterology, 200032 Shanghai, China.
| | - Ningling Ge
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Department of Liver Medical Oncology, 200032 Shanghai, China.
| | - Hong Gao
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Department of Gastroenterology, 200032 Shanghai, China.
| | - Wen Zhang
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Department of Intervention, 200032 Shanghai, China.
| | - Yingyong Hou
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Department of Pathology. 200032. Shanghai. China.
| | - Yuan Ji
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Department of Pathology. 200032. Shanghai. China.
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8
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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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9
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Gunay G, Maier KN, Hamsici S, Carvalho F, Timog TA, Acar H. Peptide aggregation-induced immunogenic cell death in a breast cancer spheroid model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.31.565012. [PMID: 37961293 PMCID: PMC10635027 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.31.565012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Utilizing multicellular aggregates (spheroids) for in vitro cancer research offers a physiologically relevant model that closely mirrors the intricate tumor microenvironment, capturing properties of solid tumors such as cell interactions and drug resistance. In this research, we investigated the Peptide-Aggregation Induced Immunogenic Response (PAIIR), an innovative method employing engineered peptides we designed specifically to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD). We contrasted PAIIR-induced ICD with standard ICD and non-ICD inducer chemotherapeutics within the context of three-dimensional breast cancer tumor spheroids. Our findings reveal that PAIIR outperforms traditional chemotherapeutics in its efficacy to stimulate ICD. This is marked by the release of key damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which bolster the phagocytic clearance of dying cancer cells by dendritic cells (DCs) and, in turn, activate powerful anti-tumor immune responses. Additionally, we observed that PAIIR results in elevated dendritic cell activation and increased antitumor cytokine presence. This study not only showcases the utility of tumor spheroids for efficient high-throughput screening but also emphasizes PAIIR's potential as a formidable immunotherapeutic strategy against breast cancer, setting the stage for deeper exploration and potential clinical implementation.
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10
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Ali SB, Vembar P, Sukumaran S, Gunawardane D, Hughes T, Smith A. Tocilizumab in grade 4 hepatitis secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitor: a case report and review of the literature. Immunotherapy 2023; 15:1125-1132. [PMID: 37401340 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2023-0085] [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: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
First- and second-line treatments for immune checkpoint inhibitor-related hepatotoxicity (IRH) are well established; however, evidence for third-line therapies is limited. We present a 68-year-old female with relapsed metastatic non-small-cell lung carcinoma despite multiple treatments. A fortnight after the second cycle of CTLA-4 inhibitor immunotherapy, she developed scleral icterus and mild jaundice with significant elevation in liver enzymes. A diagnosis of IRH was made, and despite corticosteroids, mycophenolate and tacrolimus, liver enzymes continued to worsen. One infusion of tocilizumab was given, which resulted in a remarkable improvement. Prednisolone and tacrolimus were then tapered over the ensuing months, and mycophenolate was continued. Given the rapid improvement in liver enzymes with tocilizumab, this treatment should be considered as a third-line treatment in IRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed B Ali
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
| | - Preethi Vembar
- Department of Oncology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
| | - Shawgi Sukumaran
- Department of Oncology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
| | - Dimuth Gunawardane
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, SA Pathology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
| | - Tiffany Hughes
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
| | - Anthony Smith
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
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11
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Masuda J, Sakai H, Tsurutani J, Tanabe Y, Masuda N, Iwasa T, Takahashi M, Futamura M, Matsumoto K, Aogi K, Iwata H, Hosonaga M, Mukohara T, Yoshimura K, Imamura CK, Miura S, Yamochi T, Kawabata H, Yasojima H, Tomioka N, Yoshimura K, Takano T. Efficacy, safety, and biomarker analysis of nivolumab in combination with abemaciclib plus endocrine therapy in patients with HR-positive HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer: a phase II study (WJOG11418B NEWFLAME trial). J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007126. [PMID: 37709297 PMCID: PMC10503337 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer is a disease for which no immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promise as effective therapies. Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors synergistically increased the effectiveness of antiprogrammed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies in preclinical studies. METHODS This non-randomized, multicohort, phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab 240 mg administered every 2 weeks in combination with the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib 150 mg twice daily and either fulvestrant (FUL) or letrozole (LET) as a first-line or second-line treatment for HR-positive HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. The primary end point was the objective response rate (ORR), and secondary end points were toxicity, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Blood, tissue, and fecal samples were collected at multiple points for correlative studies to evaluate immunity biomarkers. RESULTS From June 2019 to early study termination due to safety concerns on July 2020, 17 patients were enrolled (FUL: n=12, LET: n=5). One patient with a prior treatment history in the FUL cohort was excluded. ORRs were 54.5% (6/11) and 40.0% (2/5) in the FUL and LET cohorts, respectively. Treatment-emergent (TE) adverse events (AEs) of grade ≥3 occurred in 11 (92%) and 5 (100%) patients in the FUL and LET cohorts, respectively. The most common grade ≥3 TEAEs were neutropenia (7 (58.3%) and 3 (60.0%) in the FUL and LET cohorts, respectively), followed by alanine aminotransferase elevation (5 (41.6%) and 4 (80.0%)). One treatment-related death from interstitial lung disease occurred in the LET cohort. Ten patients developed liver-related grade ≥3 AEs. Liver biopsy specimens from 3 patients showed hepatitis characterized by focal necrosis with predominant CD8+ lymphocyte infiltration. Marked elevation of tumor necrosis factor-related cytokines and interleukin-11, and a decrease in peripheral regulatory T cells (Tregs), were observed in patients with hepatotoxicity. These findings suggest that treatment-related toxicities were immune-related AEs likely caused by proinflammatory cytokine production and suppression of Treg proliferation due to the addition of abemaciclib to nivolumab therapy. CONCLUSIONS Although the combination of nivolumab and abemaciclib was active, it caused severe and prolonged immune-related AEs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER JapicCTI-194782, jRCT2080224706, UMIN000036970.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Masuda
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Toranomon Hospital, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitomi Sakai
- Advanced Cancer Translational Research Institute, Showa University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Junji Tsurutani
- Advanced Cancer Translational Research Institute, Showa University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Tanabe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Toranomon Hospital, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norikazu Masuda
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Breast Oncology, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Iwasa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masato Takahashi
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Hospital Organization Hokkaido Cancer Center, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Manabu Futamura
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Koji Matsumoto
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hyogo Cancer Center, Akashi, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Aogi
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Hiroji Iwata
- Department of Breast Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Mari Hosonaga
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toru Mukohara
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center-Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Yoshimura
- Department of Clinical Immuno-oncology, Clinical Research Institute for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Showa University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiyo K Imamura
- Advanced Cancer Translational Research Institute, Showa University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sakiko Miura
- Department of Pathology, Showa University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiko Yamochi
- Department of Pathology, Showa University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Kawabata
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Toranomon Hospital, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yasojima
- Department of Surgery, Breast Oncology, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nobumoto Tomioka
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Hospital Organization Hokkaido Cancer Center, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kenichi Yoshimura
- Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Toshimi Takano
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Toranomon Hospital, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Wang J, Sun Z, Xie J, Ji W, Cui Y, Ai Z, Liang G. Inflammasome and pyroptosis in autoimmune liver diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1150879. [PMID: 36969233 PMCID: PMC10030845 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1150879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) are the four main forms of autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs), which are all defined by an aberrant immune system attack on the liver. Most previous studies have shown that apoptosis and necrosis are the two major modes of hepatocyte death in AILDs. Recent studies have reported that inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis is critical for the inflammatory response and severity of liver injury in AILDs. This review summarizes our present understanding of inflammasome activation and function, as well as the connections among inflammasomes, pyroptosis, and AILDs, thus highlighting the shared features across the four disease models and gaps in our knowledge. In addition, we summarize the correlation among NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the liver-gut axis, liver injury, and intestinal barrier disruption in PBC and PSC. We summarize the differences in microbial and metabolic characteristics between PSC and IgG4-SC, and highlight the uniqueness of IgG4-SC. We explore the different roles of NLRP3 in acute and chronic cholestatic liver injury, as well as the complex and controversial crosstalk between various types of cell death in AILDs. We also discuss the most up-to-date developments in inflammasome- and pyroptosis-targeted medicines for autoimmune liver disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixuan Wang
- School of First Clinical Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Zhiwen Sun
- Department of Liver, Spleen and Stomach Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Jingri Xie
- Department of Liver, Spleen and Stomach Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Wanli Ji
- School of First Clinical Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yang Cui
- School of First Clinical Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Zongxiong Ai
- School of First Clinical Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Guoying Liang, ; Zongxiong Ai,
| | - Guoying Liang
- Department of Liver, Spleen and Stomach Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Guoying Liang, ; Zongxiong Ai,
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13
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Coukos A, Vionnet J, Sempoux C, Fraga M. Response to a letter to the editor: a better understanding of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-induced cholangitis for better management. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006877. [PMID: 36849203 PMCID: PMC9972447 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Coukos
- Service of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Vionnet
- Service of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Transplantation Center, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christine Sempoux
- Department of pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Montserrat Fraga
- Service of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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14
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Meunier L, Maria A. Better understanding of ICI-induced cholangitis for better management. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006730. [PMID: 36849199 PMCID: PMC9972420 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Meunier
- Hepatology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Alexandre Maria
- Internal Medicine & Immuno-Oncology (MedI2O), CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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