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Review
. 2020 Jul;32(4):274-281.
doi: 10.1097/CCO.0000000000000635.

Emergency management of immune-related toxicity

Tim Cooksley  1 , Robin Stutman  2 , Adam Klotz  2
Affiliations
Review

Emergency management of immune-related toxicity

Tim Cooksley et al. Curr Opin Oncol. 2020 Jul.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Emergency presentations in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a clinical challenge. Clinicians need to be vigilant in diagnosing and treating immune-mediated toxicities. In this review, we consider the approach to managing an acutely unwell patient being treated with ICIs presenting as an emergency.

Recent findings: A minority of acutely unwell patients treated with ICIs will have an immune-mediated toxicity. Early recognition and intervention in those with immune-mediated toxicity can reduce the duration and severity of the complications. The use of early immunosuppressive agents along corticosteroid therapy may improve outcomes in patients with life-threatening immune-mediated toxicity.

Summary: Individualized management of immune-mediated toxicities is a key challenge for emergency oncology services; this has become part of routine cancer care.

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References

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    1. Naidoo J, Page D, Li B, et al. Toxicities of the anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint antibodies. Ann Oncol 2015; 26:2375–2391.

MeSH terms

Substances