Immunosuppression for immune-related adverse events during checkpoint inhibition: an intricate balance

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

21 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed perspectives for patients with cancer, but come with severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs). To prevent fatality or chronicity, these irAEs are often promptly treated with high-dose immunosuppressants. Until recently, evidence on the effects of irAE management on ICI efficacy has been sparse. As a result, algorithms for irAE management are mostly expert-opinion based and barely consider possible detrimental effects of immunosuppressants on ICI efficacy. However, recent growing evidence suggests that vigorous immunosuppressive management of irAEs comes with unfavourable effects on ICI efficacy and survival. With expansion of the indications of ICIs, evidence-based treatment of irAEs without hampering tumour control becomes more and more important. In this review, we discuss novel evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies on the effects of different irAE management regimens including corticosteroids, TNF inhibition and tocilizumab on cancer control and survival. We provide recommendations for pre-clinical research, cohort studies and clinical trials that can help clinicians in tailored irAE management, minimising patients' burden while maintaining ICI efficacy.

Original languageEnglish
Article number41
JournalNPJ precision oncology
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 May 2023

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Immunosuppression for immune-related adverse events during checkpoint inhibition: an intricate balance'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this