Introduction to expert opinion on endocrine complications of new anticancer therapies

Abstract

Over the last 10 years, cancer treatment has progressed, with increasing use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors and, most recently, immunotherapy. These molecules, however, also incur side-effects, including endocrine toxicity. As their indications are constantly increasing, due to proven efficacy, it is important for endocrinologists to know how to monitor and manage such toxicity. The French Society of Endocrinology therefore drew up a consensus statement on these points. The present introductory text summarizes the main data on these molecules' action mechanisms and the epidemiology of the main endocrine side-effects. It will be followed up by sections on organ toxicity and a summary section on patients' overall survival.

Keywords: CTLA-4; Immunotherapy; MTOR inhibitors; PD-1; PD-L1; Tyrosine kinase inhibitors.