Abstract:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors can normalize the previously compromised immune system to kill tumor cells and show remarkable clinical efficacy in a variety of tumors. However, these treatments may lead to unique toxicity profiles that can affect any organ system and can be life-threatening. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are essentially inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. Glucocorticoids are usually effective in managing irAEs and for some hormone resistance cases, immunosuppressive agents should be added as early as possible. Due to the wide spectrum of irAEs, its management in a multidisciplinary approach will help to reduce morbidity and is of high necessity. Increased vigilance, baseline screening, timely diagnosis, correct grading, and prompt and sufficient steroid treatment are the keys to the management of irAEs. Prediction of high-risk population, mechanism study of irAEs, and proper use of immunosuppressive agents for hormone-resistant irAEs are hot spots in the field of irAEs. In this commentary, we summarize and discuss the current situation and progress of irAEs, aiming to improve clinicians' awareness of irAEs and clinical outcomes.