CanadiEM - By Arden Azim - October 30, 2018
Summary of Approach to Patients on Immune
Checkpoint Inhibitors
..."Summary
In summary, immunotherapy drugs are increasingly used in the treatment of multiple malignancies.1–3 A broad spectrum of immunotherapy-related adverse events exists, with skin, GI tract and lungs most commonly affected.1–3 Immunotherapy is distinct from chemotherapy, and complications require a distinct approach to management. High-dose corticosteroids are the basis of emergency management for severe cases, along with supportive therapy and early consultation to medicine, oncology and other appropriate specialists.1–3 Careful medication reviews (look for drugs ending in “mab”) for oncology patients and a high index of suspicion for immunotherapy-related adverse events are key in the early detection of complications and appropriate management of these patients.
A tool-kit and guidelines by Cancer Care Ontario for management of immunotherapy toxicities can be found at: