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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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Abdel-Wahab N, Suarez-Almazor ME. Rheumatic adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:873-893. [PMID: 38400840 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2323966] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer treatment has marked a transformative era, albeit tempered by immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including those impacting the musculoskeletal system. The lack of precise epidemiologic data on rheumatic irAEs is attributed to factors such as potential underrecognition, underreporting in clinical trials, and the tendency to overlook manifestations without immediate life-threatening implications, further complicating the determination of accurate incidence rates, while the complete understanding of the mechanisms driving rheumatic irAEs remains elusive. AREAS COVERED This literature review comprehensively examines rheumatic irAEs in cancer patients undergoing ICI therapy, encompassing epidemiology, risk factors, mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and current management guidance for prevalent conditions such as inflammatory arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and myositis. Less frequent rheumatic and musculoskeletal irAEs are also explored, alongside insights into ongoing clinical trials testing therapeutic and preventive strategies for irAEs. A thorough literature search on Medline and the National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Database was conducted up to October 2023 to compile relevant information. EXPERT OPINION In light of the evolving landscape of cancer immunotherapy, there is a compelling need for prospective longitudinal studies to enhance understanding and inform clinical management strategies for rheumatic irAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Assiut University Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University Hospitals, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Maria E Suarez-Almazor
- Department of Health Services Research; and Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Falade AS, Boulanger MC, Hsu K, Sarathy R, Fadden R, Reynolds KL, Traeger L, Temel JS, Greer JA, Petrillo LA. Learning About and Living With Toxicity: A Qualitative Study of Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors For Melanoma or Lung Cancer and Their Caregivers. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4576328. [PMID: 39011099 PMCID: PMC11247930 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4576328/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Background/Objective Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized treatment for melanoma and lung cancer and are in widespread use. This study aims to describe how patients and caregivers learn about ICI toxicities and their perceptions and experiences of toxicity. Methods We conducted a qualitative study of 42 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC; n = 16) or melanoma (n = 26) who were initiating or discontinuing an ICI and their caregivers (n = 9). We conducted in-depth interviews to explore patients' and caregivers' experiences learning about and living with ICI side effects. We audio-recorded the first oncology visit after enrollment. We used a framework approach to code interview and visit transcripts and synthesized codes into themes. Results The median age of patients was 67; 68% were male. Themes of participant interviews and clinician-patient dialogue included: i) Patients initiating an ICI received extensive information about side effects, which some patients found overwhelming or scary and difficult to absorb; ii) Patients who were deterred by fear of toxicity ultimately proceeded with treatment because of oncologist encouragement or the sense of no alternative; iii) participants found hope in the association between toxicity and ICI efficacy; iv) caregivers helped patients navigate the deluge of information and uncertainty related to ICIs. Participants suggested ways to improve ICI side effect education, such as incorporating patient stories. Conclusion Patients perceived that ICI toxicity counseling was overwhelming yet were encouraged by oncologists' reassurance that serious side effects were manageable and by the framing of toxicity as a sign of efficacy. We identified opportunities to improve communication of ICI risks and benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayo Samuel Falade
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Brigham Salem Hospital
| | - Mary C Boulanger
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
| | - Kelly Hsu
- Donald & Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
| | - Roshni Sarathy
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
| | - Riley Fadden
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
| | - Kerry L Reynolds
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
| | - Lara Traeger
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
| | - Jennifer S Temel
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
| | - Joseph A Greer
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Laura A Petrillo
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
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Ma Y, Zeng J, Ding F, Xu Y, Wang Y, Zhong G, Liu N, Wang Y, Li Y, Chen S, Wei X, Zhu P, Jian G, Niu YS, Fu G, Liu C, Li G, Zhou X, Zhang A, Weng S. Cerebral 18F-FDG PET/CT Metabolism as Diagnostic Signature for Central Nervous System Toxicity After Immune Checkpoint Blockade Cancer Treatment. J Nucl Med 2024; 65:1129-1136. [PMID: 38697671 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.123.267025] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Our aim was to investigate probable biomarkers specific to immune-related central nervous system toxicity (CNST) in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) by analysis of 18F-FDG PET/CT images. Methods: Cancer patients receiving ICI treatment were enrolled in a multicenter observational study that analyzed regional metabolic changes before and during CNST onset from January 2020 to February 2022. In 1:1 propensity score-matched pairs, the regional SUVmean of each bilateral brain lobe of CNST patients (CNST+) was compared with that of patients who had central nervous system infections (CNSIs) and patients without CNST or CNSI (CNST-). In a validation cohort, patients were recruited from February 2022 to July 2023 and followed up for 24 wk after the start of ICI. Early changes in regional SUVmean at 5-6 wk after therapy initiation were evaluated for ability to predict later CNST onset. Results: Of 6,395 ICI-treated patients, 2,387 underwent prognostic 18F-FDG PET/CT and 125 of the scanned patients had CNST (median time from ICI treatment to onset, 9 wk; quartile range, 2-23 wk). Regional 18F-FDG PET/CT SUVmean changes were higher in CNST+ than in CNST- patients (117 patient pairs) but were lower than in CNSI patients (50 pairs). Differentiating analysis reached an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.78-0.88) for CNST+ versus CNST- and of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.72-0.89) for CNST+ versus CNSI. Changes in SUVmean were also higher before CNST onset than for CNST- (60 pairs; AUC, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.66-0.83). In a validation cohort of 2,878 patients, preonset changes in SUVmean reached an AUC of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.79-0.94) in predicting later CNST incidence. Conclusion: Brain regional hypermetabolism could be detected during and before CNST clinical onset. CNST may be a distinct pathologic entity versus brain infections defined by 18F-FDG PET/CT brain scans. Regional SUV differences may be translated into early diagnostic tools based on moderate differentiating accuracy in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Abdominal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, and Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, National Regional Medical Center Binhai Campus, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiling Zeng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fadian Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Abdominal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, and Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, National Regional Medical Center Binhai Campus, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yiwei Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Youlong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Hainan Hospital of People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Sanya, China
| | - Guanqing Zhong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nianqi Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Educational Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanqi Wang
- Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- School of Public Health, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Yiming Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuqin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaolong Wei
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Pengfei Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guangmin Jian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Si Niu
- Acute Communicable Disease Epidemiology Division, Dallas County Health and Human Services, Dallas, Texas
| | - Guangzhen Fu
- Key Clinical Laboratory of Henan Province, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; and
| | - Cantong Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Guiqiang Li
- Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaotong Zhou
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China;
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shangeng Weng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Abdominal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, and Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, National Regional Medical Center Binhai Campus, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China;
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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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Kim SY, Kim DK, Choi SY, Chung C. Comparative analysis of immunotherapy responses in small cell lung cancer patients with dermatomyositis. Thorac Cancer 2024; 15:672-677. [PMID: 38352989 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15238] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated dermatomyositis (CAD), a paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by dermatomyositis (DM), frequently presents in association with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Although the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer treatment, their efficacy and safety in patients with concurrent autoimmune diseases (AD) and malignancies remains uncertain. Several studies have suggested the safe administration of ICIs in patients with AD, indicating that successful cancer therapy can alleviate CAD symptoms. Conversely, other studies have raised concerns about the potential for ICIs to exacerbate AD flares or immune-related adverse events (irAEs). A comparative analysis of two cases from our institution emphasizes the variability in ICI responses among SCLC patients with CAD. One patient, previously reported as a case study, exhibited significant clinical improvement in DM symptoms after ICI administration, whereas the other developed severe exfoliative skin changes and experienced an unfavorable prognosis. This variability emphasizes the need for careful patient selection and close monitoring during ICI treatment. We hypothesized that overweight or obese individuals and those with severe initial skin lesions and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels are more susceptible to developing irAEs following ICI therapy. Therefore, caution is advised when considering immunotherapy in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Yun Kim
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Duk Ki Kim
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Song-Yi Choi
- Department of pathology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Chaeuk Chung
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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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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Poletto S, Paruzzo L, Nepote A, Caravelli D, Sangiolo D, Carnevale-Schianca F. Predictive Factors in Metastatic Melanoma Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: From Clinical Practice to Future Perspective. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:101. [PMID: 38201531 PMCID: PMC10778365 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The introduction of immunotherapy revolutionized the treatment landscape in metastatic melanoma. Despite the impressive results associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), only a portion of patients obtain a response to this treatment. In this scenario, the research of predictive factors is fundamental to identify patients who may have a response and to exclude patients with a low possibility to respond. These factors can be host-associated, immune system activation-related, and tumor-related. Patient-related factors can vary from data obtained by medical history (performance status, age, sex, body mass index, concomitant medications, and comorbidities) to analysis of the gut microbiome from fecal samples. Tumor-related factors can reflect tumor burden (metastatic sites, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, and circulating tumor DNA) or can derive from the analysis of tumor samples (driver mutations, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and myeloid cells). Biomarkers evaluating the immune system activation, such as IFN-gamma gene expression profile and analysis of circulating immune cell subsets, have emerged in recent years as significantly correlated with response to ICIs. In this manuscript, we critically reviewed the most updated literature data on the landscape of predictive factors in metastatic melanoma treated with ICIs. We focus on the principal limits and potentiality of different methods, shedding light on the more promising biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Poletto
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, AOU S. Luigi Gonzaga, 10043 Orbassano, Italy;
| | - Luca Paruzzo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (D.S.)
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alessandro Nepote
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, AOU S. Luigi Gonzaga, 10043 Orbassano, Italy;
| | - Daniela Caravelli
- Medical Oncology Division, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCs, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (D.C.); (F.C.-S.)
| | - Dario Sangiolo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (D.S.)
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Sebestyén E, Major N, Bodoki L, Makai A, Balogh I, Tóth G, Orosz Z, Árkosy P, Vaskó A, Hodosi K, Szekanecz Z, Szekanecz É. Immune-related adverse events of anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors: a single center experience. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1252215. [PMID: 37916172 PMCID: PMC10618004 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1252215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) stimulate antitumor immune responses and, in parallel, they might trigger autoimmune and other immunopathological mechanisms eventually leading to immune-related adverse events (irAE). In our study, we assessed patients with malignancies who underwent anti-PD-1 treatment at the University of Debrecen, Clinical Center. Patients and methods Between June 2017 and May 2021, 207 patients started ICI treatment at our university. A total of 157 patients received nivolumab and 50 were treated with pembrolizumab. We looked for factors associated with the development of irAEs. In addition to correlation studies, we performed binary logistic regression analysis to determine, which factors were associated with irAEs. We also performed Forward Likelihood Ratio (LR) analysis to determine independent prognostic factors. Results At the time of data analysis, the mean duration of treatment was 2.03 ± 0.69 years. ROC analysis determined that 9 or more treatment cycles were associated with a significantly higher risk of irAEs. A total of 125 patients received ≥9 treatment cycles. Three times more patients were treated with nivolumab than pembrolizumab. Of the 207 patients, 66 (32%) developed irAEs. Among the 66 patients who developed irAEs, 36 patients (55%) developed one, 23 (35%) developed two, while 7 (10%) developed three irAEs in the same patient. The most common irAEs were thyroid (33 cases), dermatological (25 cases), pneumonia (14 cases) and gastrointestinal complications (13 cases). Patients who developed irAEs received significantly more treatment cycles (21.8 ± 18.7 versus 15.8 ± 17.4; p=0.002) and were younger at the start of treatment (60.7 ± 10.8 versus 63.4 ± 10.1 years; p=0.042) compared to patients without irAEs. Pembrolizumab-treated patients developed more but less severe irAEs compared to those receiving nivolumab. Conclusion ICI treatment is very effective, however, irAEs may develop. These irAEs might be related to the number of treatment cycles and the type of treated malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enikő Sebestyén
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Nóra Major
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Levente Bodoki
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Attila Makai
- Department Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ingrid Balogh
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gábor Tóth
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Orosz
- Department Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Péter Árkosy
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Attila Vaskó
- Department Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Katalin Hodosi
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szekanecz
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Éva Szekanecz
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Koch Hein EC, Vilbert M, Hirsch I, Fernando Ribeiro M, Muniz TP, Fournier C, Abdulalem K, Saldanha EF, Martinez E, Spreafico A, Hogg DH, Butler MO, Saibil SD. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Real-World Experience from a Canadian Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4312. [PMID: 37686588 PMCID: PMC10487051 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174312] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) cemiplimab and pembrolizumab have revolutionized the treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ICI in a real-world cSCC population, including patients with conditions that would exclude clinical trial participation. In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, we included all non-trial patients with advanced cSCC treated with ICI between 2017 and 2022. We evaluated investigator-assessed best overall response (BOR) and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We correlated survival outcomes with age, performance status, immune status and irAEs. Of the 36 patients identified, the best overall response (BOR) to ICI was a partial response (PR) in 41.7%, a complete response (CR) in 27.8%, and stable disease in (SD) 13.9%. The progression-free survival (PFS) rate for 1 year was 58.1%; the median PFS was 21.3 months (95% CI 6.4-NE). The 1-year overall survival (OS) was 76.7%, and the median OS was 38.6 months (95% CI 25.4-NE). Immune-compromised patients, ECOG performance 2-3, and age ≥ 75 years were not significantly associated with PFS or OS. IrAE grades 3-4 were seen in 13.9% of patients. In our Canadian experience with real-world patients, ICI was an effective and safe treatment for advanced cSCC patients. Patients achieved great benefits with ICI regardless of age, immune status or ECOG performance status. We acknowledge the small sample size and retrospective methodology as the main limitations of our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica C. Koch Hein
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.V.); (I.H.); (M.F.R.); (T.P.M.); (K.A.); (E.F.S.); (E.M.); (A.S.); (D.H.H.); (M.O.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Maysa Vilbert
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.V.); (I.H.); (M.F.R.); (T.P.M.); (K.A.); (E.F.S.); (E.M.); (A.S.); (D.H.H.); (M.O.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ian Hirsch
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.V.); (I.H.); (M.F.R.); (T.P.M.); (K.A.); (E.F.S.); (E.M.); (A.S.); (D.H.H.); (M.O.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Mauricio Fernando Ribeiro
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.V.); (I.H.); (M.F.R.); (T.P.M.); (K.A.); (E.F.S.); (E.M.); (A.S.); (D.H.H.); (M.O.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Thiago P. Muniz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.V.); (I.H.); (M.F.R.); (T.P.M.); (K.A.); (E.F.S.); (E.M.); (A.S.); (D.H.H.); (M.O.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Cynthia Fournier
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
- Dermatology Service, Hôtel-Dieu-de-Lévis, Lévis, QC G6V 3Z1, Canada
| | - Khaled Abdulalem
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.V.); (I.H.); (M.F.R.); (T.P.M.); (K.A.); (E.F.S.); (E.M.); (A.S.); (D.H.H.); (M.O.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Erick F. Saldanha
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.V.); (I.H.); (M.F.R.); (T.P.M.); (K.A.); (E.F.S.); (E.M.); (A.S.); (D.H.H.); (M.O.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Erika Martinez
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.V.); (I.H.); (M.F.R.); (T.P.M.); (K.A.); (E.F.S.); (E.M.); (A.S.); (D.H.H.); (M.O.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Anna Spreafico
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.V.); (I.H.); (M.F.R.); (T.P.M.); (K.A.); (E.F.S.); (E.M.); (A.S.); (D.H.H.); (M.O.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - David H. Hogg
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.V.); (I.H.); (M.F.R.); (T.P.M.); (K.A.); (E.F.S.); (E.M.); (A.S.); (D.H.H.); (M.O.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Marcus O. Butler
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.V.); (I.H.); (M.F.R.); (T.P.M.); (K.A.); (E.F.S.); (E.M.); (A.S.); (D.H.H.); (M.O.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Samuel D. Saibil
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.V.); (I.H.); (M.F.R.); (T.P.M.); (K.A.); (E.F.S.); (E.M.); (A.S.); (D.H.H.); (M.O.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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Wang SJ, Dougan SK, Dougan M. Immune mechanisms of toxicity from checkpoint inhibitors. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:543-553. [PMID: 37117135 PMCID: PMC10330206 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has changed the treatment landscape for cancer over the past decade. Inhibitors of the immune checkpoint proteins cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4, programmed death (PD)-1, and PD ligand 1 (PD-L1) can induce durable remissions in a subset of patients with metastatic disease. However, these treatments can be limited by inflammatory toxicities that can affect any organ system in the body and in some cases can be life threatening. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the drivers of these toxicities as well as effective management strategies. Further research into understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive toxicity will enable better prediction of toxicity and development of optimized therapies for these toxicities that avoid interfering with antitumor immunity. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the inflammatory toxicities from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and propose optimal treatment strategies for these toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Jennifer Wang
- Department of Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephanie K Dougan
- Department of Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Dougan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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13
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Guberina N, Wirsdörfer F, Stuschke M, Jendrossek V. Combined radiation- and immune checkpoint-inhibitor-induced pneumonitis – The challenge to predict and detect overlapping immune-related adverse effects from evolving laboratory biomarkers and clinical imaging. Neoplasia 2023; 39:100892. [PMID: 37011458 PMCID: PMC10124136 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
The risk of overlapping pulmonary toxicity induced by thoracic radio(chemo)therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in the treatment of patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one important challenge in successful radioimmunotherapy. In the present opinion we highlight factors that we find important to be considered before treatment initiation, during the treatment sequence, and after treatment completion combined or sequential application of radio(chemo)therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. A major aim is to optimize the therapeutic index and to avoid immune related adverse effects. The goals in the future will be focused not only on identifying patients already in the pretreatment phase who could benefit from this complex treatment, but also in identifying patients, who are most likely to have higher grade toxicity. In this respect, proper assessment of clinical performance status, monitoring for the presence of certain comorbidities, evaluation of laboratory parameters such as TGF-α and IL-6 levels, human leukocyte antigens (HLA), and consideration of other potential biomarkers which will evolve in near future are essential. Likewise, the critical parameters must be monitored during the treatment phase and follow-up care to detect potential side effects in time. With the help of high-end imaging which is already used on a daily basis in image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) for intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), its advanced form volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and adaptive radiation therapy (ART), clinically relevant changes in lung tissue can be detected at an early stage of disease. Concurrent radiotherapy and immunotherapy requires a special focus on adverse events, particularly of the lung, but, when properly approached and applied, it may offer new perspectives for patients with locally advanced NSCLC to be seriously considered as a curative option.
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14
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Pacholczak-Madej R, Kosałka-Węgiel J, Kuszmiersz P, Mituś JW, Püsküllüoğlu M, Grela-Wojewoda A, Korkosz M, Bazan-Socha S. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Related Rheumatological Complications: Cooperation between Rheumatologists and Oncologists. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4926. [PMID: 36981837 PMCID: PMC10049070 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In cancer, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) improve patient survival but may lead to severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Rheumatic irAEs are a distinct entity that are much more common in a real-life than in clinical trial reports due to their unspecific symptoms and them being a rare cause of hospitalization. This review focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to the management of rheumatic irAEs, including cooperation between oncologists, rheumatologists, and immunologists. We discuss the immunological background of rheumatic irAEs, as well as their unique clinical characteristics, differentiation from other irAEs, and treatment strategies. Importantly, steroids are not the basis of therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be administered in the front line with other antirheumatic agents. We also address whether patients with pre-existing rheumatic autoimmune diseases can receive ICIs and how antirheumatic agents can interfere with ICIs. Interestingly, there is a preclinical rationale for combining ICIs with immunosuppressants, particularly tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 inhibitors. Regardless of the data, the mainstay in managing irAEs is interdisciplinary cooperation between oncologists and other medical specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Pacholczak-Madej
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków Branch, 31-115 Kraków, Poland
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 33-332 Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Kosałka-Węgiel
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical Kraków, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology Clinical, University Hospital, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Kuszmiersz
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical Kraków, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology Clinical, University Hospital, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Jerzy W. Mituś
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 33-332 Kraków, Poland
- Department of Surgical Oncology, National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków Branch, 31-115 Kraków, Poland
| | - Mirosława Püsküllüoğlu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków Branch, 31-115 Kraków, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Grela-Wojewoda
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków Branch, 31-115 Kraków, Poland
| | - Mariusz Korkosz
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical Kraków, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology Clinical, University Hospital, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Stanisława Bazan-Socha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
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