30th December 2024

Introduction to immune-mediated toxicities

Immunotherapeutics encompass a broad range of drugs that interact with the body’s immune system. Within oncology, the term ‘immunotherapy’ generally refers to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). These drugs sensitise the body’s immune system to recognise and destroy malignant cells. ICIs have greatly improved survival in many cancer types, and their use within oncology is rapidly increasing.

However, the resultant activation of the immune system can have unintended consequences if the immune system then attacks and inflames other organ systems. This is known as immune-mediated toxicity, and can affect any organ system, can range from mild to life threatening, and can occur up to one year after cessation of an ICI.

It is, therefore, imperative to recognise ICIs when taking an oncological treatment history and to consider immune-mediated toxicity in any patient who may have received treatment with an ICI within the last year.