Toxicity of Immunotherapeutic Agents

Abstract

As the cancer population increases and immunotherapy becomes widely utilized, severe toxicities from these treatments will become more prevalent. In cancer patients, the most common immunotherapies that lead to critical illness are chimeric antigen receptor T cells, monoclonal antibodies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Awareness of their toxicities by the intensive care unit team is of extreme importance. A multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis and treatment is recommended. This article reviews the most common toxicities from immunotherapy and offers a therapy-specific and system-based approach for affected patients.

Keywords: Chimeric antigen receptor T-cells; Immune checkpoint inhibitors; Immunotherapy; Intensive care unit; Monoclonal antibodies; Toxicities.