open access

Vol 70, No 3 (2020)
Review paper
Published online: 2020-06-16
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Pulmonary toxicities of immune checkpoint inhibitors

Magdalena Knetki-Wróblewska1, Joanna Domagała-Kulawik2
·
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2020;70(3):105-110.
Affiliations
  1. Department of Lung Cancer and Chest Tumors, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases and Allergy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland

open access

Vol 70, No 3 (2020)
Review article
Published online: 2020-06-16

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of many malignancies. Toxicities of immunothe­rapy are variable, can involve almost every organ, therefore appropriate diagnosis and management of Immune Related Adverse Events (irAEs) is important. Immune-mediated pneumonitis is an uncommon, but potentially life-threatening toxicity of ICIs. Pre-existing lung disease, a history of lung radiotherapy, age > 70 years and male gender are suggested as the risk factors of pneumonitis. Dyspnoea, dry cough, fever and chest pain are typical symptoms. Diagnostic algorithms recommend radiological investigation with a chest computed tomography scan. Additional diagnostic procedures – such as pulse oximetry, spirometry, measurement of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, bronchoscopy with BAL may be helpful. The therapeutic approach is determined by the intensity of the symptoms and CT findings. Corticosteroids and antibiotics are the drugs of choice. Hospitalisation is necessary in severe cases, and other forms of immunosuppression (infliximab, mycophenolate mofetil) may be considered. Continuation of immunotherapy can be considered with caution in patients with G1-2 toxicity, when clinical improvement was achieved and steroids were tapered.  

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of many malignancies. Toxicities of immunothe­rapy are variable, can involve almost every organ, therefore appropriate diagnosis and management of Immune Related Adverse Events (irAEs) is important. Immune-mediated pneumonitis is an uncommon, but potentially life-threatening toxicity of ICIs. Pre-existing lung disease, a history of lung radiotherapy, age > 70 years and male gender are suggested as the risk factors of pneumonitis. Dyspnoea, dry cough, fever and chest pain are typical symptoms. Diagnostic algorithms recommend radiological investigation with a chest computed tomography scan. Additional diagnostic procedures – such as pulse oximetry, spirometry, measurement of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, bronchoscopy with BAL may be helpful. The therapeutic approach is determined by the intensity of the symptoms and CT findings. Corticosteroids and antibiotics are the drugs of choice. Hospitalisation is necessary in severe cases, and other forms of immunosuppression (infliximab, mycophenolate mofetil) may be considered. Continuation of immunotherapy can be considered with caution in patients with G1-2 toxicity, when clinical improvement was achieved and steroids were tapered.  

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Keywords

pneumonitis; immune related adverse events; immune checkpoint inhibitors

About this article
Title

Pulmonary toxicities of immune checkpoint inhibitors

Journal

Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology

Issue

Vol 70, No 3 (2020)

Article type

Review paper

Pages

105-110

Published online

2020-06-16

Page views

829

Article views/downloads

595

DOI

10.5603/NJO.2020.0023

Bibliographic record

Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2020;70(3):105-110.

Keywords

pneumonitis
immune related adverse events
immune checkpoint inhibitors

Authors

Magdalena Knetki-Wróblewska
Joanna Domagała-Kulawik

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