Endocrine effects of immunotherapy for cancer. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Quinn, Mark; Joshi, Mamta; Carroll, Paul V.
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 49:Number 9(2021)
• Page Start: 554
• Page End: 557
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Cortisol -- CTLA4 -- endocrine toxicities -- hypophysitis -- immune checkpoint inhibitors -- PD1 -- PDL1 -- thyroiditis; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Médecine factuelle -- Périodiques; Medicine; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 610
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mpmed.2021.06.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-3039

Abstract

Abstract: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) harness the innate immune system in targeting malignant disease. CPI treatments are associated with significantly improved survival in a wide variety of malignancies. As their use increases so too does our understanding of their common side effects. These include immune-mediated endocrine organ dysfunction, with the thyroid, pituitary and pancreas glands most commonly affected. The clinical presentation of these side effects varies from asymptomatic to life threatening. As such it is imperative that all oncology/endocrine departments have a strategy in place to recognize, triage and treat these conditions appropriately, with minimal interruption to anti-cancer therapy. In this chapter we will describe how each endocrine organ is affected focusing on the pathophysiology, epidemiology and natural history of these immune-mediated adverse events. We will also highlight the conditions that are likely to require lifelong treatment and those that may be reversible.