Endocrine adverse effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are increasingly being utilised as an effective therapy for a variety of cancers. However, they have the potential to cause serious autoimmune toxicities in multiple organ systems termed 'immunotherapy-related adverse events'. Endocrine toxicities are common, can occur well after commencement of therapy and can result in significant morbidity and mortality if not recognised. This makes it important for all physicians, in addition to endocrinologists and oncologists, to understand the nature of these reactions and the general approach to their diagnosis and management. This review aims to provide an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of the endocrine adverse events.

Thyroid dysfunction induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors and tumor progression during neoadjuvant therapy of non‑small cell lung cancer: A case report and literature review

“…Most thyroid dysfunction is asymptomatic or mild. However, patients may present with symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, anorexia, constipation, bradycardia or weight gain (11,12). Thyroid dysfunction during PD-1 inhibitor therapy is associated with a longer progression-free survival time and could be used as a potential marker to predict an improved response to treatment (13).…”