Onkologie 2020: 14(Suppl.C): 6-12 | DOI: 10.36290/xon.2020.049

How to manage side effects of immunotherapy

Jindřich Kopecký, Ondřej Kubeček

Klinika onkologie a radioterapie LF UK a FN Hradec Králové

Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors is considered to be one of the greatest advances in cancer therapy in the last decade. Its effectiveness brings hope for patients with various types of tumors, both solid and hematologic. On the other hand, due to the specific mechanism of action, we have to face diametrically different side effects, we were used to be in the past. These effects are similar to autoimmune diseases, called as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). In most cases, these effects are of lower severity and are easily manageble. However, in some cases, or in cases of delayed intervention, they may have a fatal outcome. The main prerequisite for managing side effects is their good knowledge (occurrence, dynamics, mortality, etc.). It is essential to mention that these situations can be prevented with proper management and patient cooperation.

Keywords: immunotherapy, checkpoint inhibitor, side effects, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, ipilimumab, atezolizumab.

Published: June 2, 2020  Show citation