Cytokine release syndrome and hemophagocytic syndrome associated with immunotherapy: A narrative review

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of patients affected by oncohematologic diseases in developed countries due to the improved survival rates and quality of life. This increase has generated a greater need for care in intensive care units (ICU), mainly due to complications related to immunosuppression, treatment toxicity or complications derived from cancer itself. Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment, but it can cause serious side effects such as cytokine release syndrome and hemophagocytic syndrome, which often require ICU admission. This review seeks to expand knowledge and management strategies for these complications in the ICU.

Keywords: Cytokine release syndrome; Hematology; Hematología; Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis; Hemophagocytic syndrome; Immunotherapy; Inmunoterapia; Linfohistiocitosis hemofagocítica; Oncology; Oncología; Síndrome de liberación de citocinas; Síndrome hemofagocítico.