Immune-Mediated Colitis

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review addresses our current knowledge of immune-mediated colitis (IMC) and offers a practical guide to its management.

Recent findings: Due to the similarity in clinical, endoscopic, and histologic findings between IMC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroenterologists have tailored their approach to IMC management to that of IBD. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibodies that augment the T-cell anti-tumor response of the immune system and have demonstrated their importance in the treatment of a wide range of malignancies. With the growing benefits of ICIs, there are immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that mirror many known autoimmune diseases. Diarrhea and IMC are the most common and severe irAEs noted. No standardized guidelines exist in the management of these irAEs.

Keywords: CTLA-4; Immune checkpoint inhibitor; Immune-mediated colitis; Immune-related adverse events; PD-1; PD-L1.