Higher baseline TSH levels predict early hypothyroidism during cancer immunotherapy

Changes in TgAb and TPOAb titers are greater in thyrotoxicosis than isolated hypothyroidism induced by PD-1 blockade

Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and/or anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) positivity at baseline is a risk marker for thyroid immune-related adverse events (thyroid-irAEs) in anti-programmed cell death-1 antibody (PD-1-Ab) treatment; however, it is unknown if TgAb and TPOAb titers are associated with clinical characteristics of thyroid-irAEs. Among 586 patients treated with PD-1-Ab at Nagoya University Hospital between 2 November 2015 and 30 September 2021, 57 patients developed thyroid-irAEs (thyrotoxicosis [n = 38]; hypothyroidism without prior thyrotoxicosis {isolated hypothyroidism} [n = 19]) in whom thyroid function, and TgAb and TPOAb titers were determined at baseline and at the onset. The changes in TgAb (median, 54.8 vs. 0.2 IU/mL; p = 0.002) and TPOAb titers (31.6 vs. 0 IU/mL; p = 0.032) from baseline to onset of developing thyroid-irAEs were greater in patients with thyrotoxicosis than patients with isolated hypothyroidism. Higher TgAb and TPOAb titers, and the TgAb titer at baseline were associated with an earlier onset of thyrotoxicosis and higher peak free thyroxine levels, respectively. Twenty-eight patients who developed hypothyroidism after thyrotoxicosis had higher TgAb (54.5 vs. 10.7 IU/mL; p = 0.011) and TPOAb titers at baseline (46.1 vs. 9.0 IU/mL; p < 0.001) and greater changes in TgAb (61.7 vs. 7.8 IU/mL; p = 0.025) and TPOAb titers (52.8 vs. -0.8 IU/mL; p < 0.001) than patients who did not develop hypothyroidism. The TgAb titer at baseline and changes in the TgAb and TPOAb titers were greater in patients with thyrotoxicosis than patients with isolated hypothyroidism, suggesting that the magnitude of the thyroid autoimmune response reflects the clinical types of thyroid-irAEs.

Effects of immune checkpoint inhibitor associated endocrinopathies on cancer survival

Objectives

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs), of which endocrinopathies are common. We characterized endocrine and non-endocrine irAEs in cancer patients receiving ICIs, identified risk factors for their development and established whether endocrine and non-endocrine irAEs were differentially associated with improved cancer prognosis.

Design and methods

Single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors receiving at least one ICI treatment cycle (242 men, 151 women, median age 65 years). Main outcome measures were incidence of any irAE during the study period, overall survival and time to treatment failure.

Results

Non-endocrine irAEs occurred in 32% and endocrine irAEs in 12% of patients. Primary thyroid dysfunction was the most common endocrine irAE (9.5%) and the majority of endocrinopathies required permanent hormone replacement. Women had an increased risk of developing endocrine irAEs (p = 0.017). The biggest survival advantage occurred in patients who developed both endocrine and non-endocrine irAEs (overall survival: HR 0.16, CI 0.09-0.28). Time to treatment failure was also significantly improved in patients who developed endocrine irAEs (HR 0.49, CI 0.34 - 0.71) or both (HR 0.41, CI 0.25 - 0.64) but not in those who only developed non-endocrine irAEs.

Conclusions

Women may have increased risk of endocrine irAEs secondary to ICI treatment. This is the first study to compare the effects of endocrine irAEs with non-endocrine irAEs on survival. Development of endocrine irAEs may confer survival benefit in ICI treatment and future, prospective studies are needed to elucidate this.

Endocrinopathies Associated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Use

OBJECTIVE

To provide a clinical approach towards immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-associated endocrinopathies, their link with cancer outcomes, factors which differentiate them from other immune related adverse events, and health systems innovation to improve care for these patients.

METHODS

A literature search for articles pertaining to ICIs and endocrinopathies was performed and supplemented by expert opinions of the authors.

RESULTS

While immune related adverse events can affect almost any organ, they frequently target the endocrine glands, most commonly thyroid. Different classes of ICIs have varying frequencies of endocrinopathies related to hypophysitis, thyroiditis, diabetes mellitus, and rarely hypoadrenalism and hypoparathyroidism. ICI-associated endocrinopathies share some features with classic endocrine autoimmunity but appear to be a distinct entity. They can be challenging to diagnose and manage due to nonspecific clinical features, use of exogenous glucocorticoids, and at times rapid and severe hormone deficiency. The role of anti-inflammatory high-dose glucocorticoids is minimal, and the ICI does not usually require permanent discontinuation. ICI-associated endocrinopathies usually cause permanent hormone deficiency necessitating long-term management and patient engagement. ICI-thyroiditis has been associated with improved survival, while other endocrinopathies have not shown a significant association with outcomes in cancer patients receiving ICIs. Oncoendocrinology teams can improve the care of patients with ICI-associated endocrinopathies.

CONCLUSION

This narrative review provides guidance to clinicians prescribing ICIs and those managing ICI-associated endocrinopathies, and complements the frameworks provided by major scientific societies in this field.

The Combined Effect of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors on Thyroid Function

Background: Recent successes with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for the treatment of solid malignancies have paved the way for a new era of combined therapy. A common side effect seen with each of these classes of treatment is thyroid dysfunction, with rates estimated at 30-40% for TKI and 10-20% for ICI. However, little is known about the effect of combined ICI+TKI therapy on thyroid function. Therefore, this study evaluated the incidence, clinical features, and risk factors for developing thyroid abnormalities during ICI+TKI therapy and the relationship to cancer outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients treated with combination ICI+TKI cancer therapy at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center from 2017 to 2023 who had pretreatment normal thyrotropin (TSH) levels. Primary analyses assessed the frequency, timing, and severity of thyroid function test abnormalities during ICI+TKI cancer therapy, and the requirement for thyroid hormone replacement. Secondary analyses evaluated risk factors for the development of thyroid dysfunction, including sex and drug regimen, and the association with cancer progression-free survival or overall survival. Univariable and multivariable models were used. Results: There were 106 patients who received ICI+TKI therapy with a median age of 63.5 years and a median follow-up of 12.8 months (interquartile range [IQR] 5.9-20.9). Notably, 63.2% (67/106) developed thyroid function abnormalities during ICI+TKI therapy, including 11 (10.4%) with hyperthyroidism, 42 (39.6%) with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCHypo), and 14 (13.2%) with overt hypothyroidism. The onset of thyroid dysfunction occurred at a median of 7 weeks (IQR 3.1-9.0) after start of ICI+TKI treatment for hyperthyroidism, 8.0 weeks (IQR 3.0-19.0) for SCHypo, and 8.1 weeks (IQR 5.9-9.1) for overt or worsening hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism resolved to hypothyroidism or normal TSH without intervention in all subjects, suggesting thyroiditis, and hypothyroidism was readily treated with thyroid hormone replacement. Conclusions: Thyroid dysfunction is a frequent adverse event in individuals treated with combination ICI+TKI therapy, with our data suggesting a rapid onset and higher incidence than previously seen with ICI or TKI therapy alone. Therefore, close monitoring of thyroid function during initial therapy and multidisciplinary care with endocrinology are recommended to facilitate early detection and initiation of thyroid hormone replacement in these patients.

Toxicity spectrum and risk factors for chemo-immunotherapy in locally advanced or metastatic lung cancer

Chemo-immunotherapy has become the best first-line treatment for advanced lung cancer patients without oncogenic drivers. However, it may also lead to an increased incidence and severity of treatment-related adverse events. In this retrospective study, lung cancer patients administrated with either anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 treatment plus chemotherapy were included. Data on demographic characteristics, disease characteristics, treatment strategies, laboratory results, and clinical outcomes were collected from the Electronic Medical Records System and evaluation scales. Chi-square, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors for immune-related adverse events (irAEs). A total of 116 patients were included in the study, and the majority experienced treatment-related adverse events. Adverse events of any grade were reported in 114 (98.3%) patients, with 73 (62.9%) experiencing Grade 3 or higher events. The most frequent adverse events were anemia (67.2%), decreased appetite (62.9%), and alopecia (53.4%). Fifty-four (46.6%) patients were diagnosed with irAEs, with hypothyroidism (28.4%) being the most commonly reported. Multivariable analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between the number of treatment cycles, elevated baseline levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) with irAEs (OR = 1.222, P = 0.009, OR = 1.945, P = 0.016, OR = 1.176, P = 0.004), and IL-6 was identified as a strong predictor of severe irAEs (OR = 1.084, P = 0.014). Our study demonstrated the safety of chemo-immunotherapy in lung cancer patients without additional toxicity. The number of treatment cycles, higher baseline levels of TSH and IL-6 were identified as potential clinical biomarkers for irAEs.

Predictors of thyroid adverse events during cancer immunotherapy: a real-life experience at a single center

BACKGROUND

Thyroid dysfunction is among the most common immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy. Data regarding potential predictors of the development of thyroid irAEs are still limited and sometimes conflicting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We assessed potential risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with the onset of thyroid irAEs in a cohort of patients with different types of cancer treated with ICIs at a single center. Clinical and biochemical data, including thyroid function tests and autoantibodies at baseline and during treatment, were collected, and the onset of thyroid irAEs was recorded. Patients with thyroid dysfunction and/or under levothyroxine therapy before starting ICI were excluded.

RESULTS

110 patients (80 M, 30 F, aged 32-85 years; 56.4% non-small-cell lung cancer, 87% treated with anti-PD-1) with complete information were included in the study. Among them, 32 (29%) developed thyroid irAEs during ICIs therapy. Primary hypothyroidism was the most common irAEs, occurring in 31 patients (28.18% of the whole cohort), including 14 patients who experienced a transient thyrotoxicosis. About 60% of irAEs occurred within the first 8 weeks of therapy. At multivariate analysis, anti-thyroid autoantibodies positivity at baseline (OR 18.471, p = 0.022), a pre-existing (autoimmune and non-autoimmune) thyroid disorder (OR 16.307, p < 0.001), and a family history of thyroid diseases (OR = 9.287, p = 0.002) were independent predictors of the development of thyroid irAEs.

CONCLUSION

Our data confirm the high frequency of thyroid dysfunctions (mostly hypothyroidism) during ICIs, and provide data on valuable predictors of thyroid toxicities that may help clinicians in identifying patients at risk for developing irAEs.

Clinical value of grayscale ultrasound combined with real-time shear wave elastography nomogram in risk prediction of thyroid cancer

OBJECTIVES

This study constructed a nomogram based on grayscale ultrasound features and real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) parameters to predict thyroid cancer.

METHODS

Clinical data of 217 thyroid nodules of 201 patients who underwent grayscale ultrasound, real-time SWE, and thyroid function laboratory examination in Ma'anshan People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The subjects were divided into a benign nodule group (106 nodules) and a malignant nodule group (111 nodules). The differences in grayscale ultrasound features, quantitative parameters of real-time SWE, and laboratory results of thyroid function between benign and malignant thyroid nodules were analyzed. We used a chi-square test for categorical variables and a t-test for continuous variables. Then, the independent risk factors for thyroid cancer were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Based on the independent risk factors, a nomogram for predicting thyroid cancer risk was constructed using the RMS package of the R software.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression showed that the grayscale ultrasound features of thyroid nodules were the shape, margin, echogenicity, and echogenic foci of the nodules,the maximum Young's modulus (SWE-max) of thyroid nodules, and the ratio of thyroid nodule and peripheral gland (SWE-ratio) measured by real-time SWE were independent risk factors for thyroid cancer (all p < 0.05), and the other variables had no statistical difference (p > 0.05). Based on the shape (OR = 5.160, 95% CI: 2.252-11.825), the margin (OR = 9.647, 95% CI: 2.048-45.443), the echogenicity (OR = 6.512, 95% CI: 1.729-24.524), the echogenic foci (OR = 2.049, 95% CI: 1.118-3.756), and the maximum Young's modulus (SWE-max) (OR = 1.296, 95% CI: 1.140-1.473), the SWE-ratio (OR = 2.001, 95% CI: 1.403-2.854) of the thyroid nodule to peripheral gland was used to establish the related nomogram prediction model. The bootstrap self-sampling method was used to verify the model. The consistency index (C-index) was 0.979, ROC curve was used to analyze the nomogram scores of all patients, and the AUC of nomogram prediction of thyroid cancer was 0.976, indicating that the nomogram model had high accuracy in the risk prediction of thyroid cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram model of grayscale ultrasound features combined with SWE parameters can accurately predict thyroid cancer.

Endocrine Side Effects in Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Narrative Review

Checkpoint inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies that elicit an anti-tumor response by stimulating immune system. Their use has improved the treatment of different types of cancer such as melanoma, breast carcinoma, lung, stomach, colon, liver, renal cell carcinoma, and Hodgkin's lymphoma, but several adverse events have been reported. Although the etiology of these effects is not completely understood, an uncontrolled activation of the immune system has been postulated. Indeed, some studies showed a cross reactivity of T cells, which acted against tumor antigens as well as antigens in the tissues of patients who developed immune-related adverse events. Despite the known possibility of developing immune-related adverse events, early diagnosis, monitoring during therapy, and treatment are fundamental for the best supportive care and administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The aim of this review is to guide the clinician in early diagnosis, management, and treatment of the endocrinological adverse effects in the major endocrine glands (thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, endocrine pancreas, and parathyroid).

Isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency following immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment often occurs in polyglandular endocrinopathies

BACKGROUND

With the increasing application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in cancer therapy, the occurrence of isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (IAD), as an adverse effect, is also on the rise. Nevertheless, there are only a few studies regarding IAD induced by ICI. This study aimed at investigating the characteristics of IAD induced by ICI and its relationship with other endocrine adverse events.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in the Endocrinology Department from January 2019 to August 2022 to investigate characteristics of patients with IAD. Clinical features, laboratory findings and treatment information were collected. All patients underwent a follow-up of 3-6-month.

RESULTS

28 patients with IAD were enrolled. All patients received treatment with anti-PD-1/ PD-L1. The median occurrence time of IAD was 24 (18-39) weeks after initiation of ICI treatment. Over half of the patients (53.5%) had an additional endocrinopathy, including primary hypothyroidism and fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM), while other types of endocrinopathies were not identified. The interval between the occurrences of two gland damages was between 4 and 21 weeks or simultaneous. Primary hypothyroidism (46.4%) was more prevalent than FT1DM (7.1%). Fatigue and nausea were common symptoms, with a frequent occurrence of hyponatremia. All patients continued on oral glucocorticoids during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

IAD induced by ICI could manifest independently, or more frequently in combination with hypothyroidism or FT1DM. This damage could happen at any point of ICI treatment. Given that IAD can be life-threatening, it is critical to evaluate pituitary function dynamically in patients undergoing immunotherapy.

Challenges and Limitations of Endocrine Toxicity Evaluation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Immunotherapy-Retrospective Study from a Tertiary-Level Hospital in Romania

(1) Background: The endocrine system has become a prominent target to autoimmune damage during treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer patients. Real-world data regarding endocrine immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are needed to explore their impact in cancer patients. An analysis was conducted to evaluate endocrine irAEs caused by ICIs, besides the challenges and limitations of daily medical practice in oncology in Romania. (2) Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of lung cancer patients treated with ICIs at Coltea Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, from 1 November 2017 to 30 November 2022. Endocrine irAEs were identified through endocrinological assessment and were distinguished as any occurring endocrinopathy during treatment with ICIs and related to immunotherapy. Descriptive analyses were performed. (3) Results: Of 310 cancer patients treated with ICIs, we identified 151 with lung cancer. From this cohort, 109 NSCLC patients qualified for baseline endocrine estimation and 13 patients (11.9%) developed endocrine irAEs, such as hypophysitis (4.5%), thyroid disorder (5.5%) and primary adrenal insufficiency (1.8%), with one or more endocrine glands being affected. There might be a correlation between endocrine irAEs and duration of ICI treatment. (4) Conclusions: Early diagnosis and adequate management of endocrine irAEs may be challenging in lung cancer patients. A high incidence of endocrine irAEs is expected with the growing use of ICIs, and because not all endocrine events are immune-related, cooperation between oncologists and endocrinologists is crucial in the management of these patients. More data are needed to confirm the correlation between endocrine irAEs and the efficacy of ICIs.

Endocrine side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have increasingly been the mainstay of treatment for numerous malignancies. However, due to their association with autoimmunity, ICIs have resulted in a variety of side effects that involve multiple organs including the endocrine system. In this review article, we describe our current understanding of the autoimmune endocrinopathies as a result of the use of ICIs. We will review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of the most commonly encountered endocrinopathies, including thyroiditis, hypophysitis, Type 1 diabetes, adrenalitis, and central diabetes insipidus.

Endocrine Dysfunction From Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Pearls and Pitfalls in Evaluation and Management

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis) have proven extremely efficacious in cancer therapy but also lead to a plethora of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The endocrine irAEs are not only quite common but also may pose a challenge to the clinician while managing a patient with cancer treated with ICPis. The clinical features of endocrine dysfunction are usually nonspecific and may overlap with concurrent illnesses, underlying the importance of accurate hormone testing and efforts toward case-finding. The management of endocrine irAEs is unique in the focus being on hormone replacement rather than curtailing the autoimmune process. Although the management of thyroid irAEs appears straightforward, adrenal insufficiency and insulin-dependent diabetes can be life-threatening if not promptly recognized and treated. This clinical review synthesizes the studies to provide pearls and pitfalls in the evaluation and management of endocrine irAEs with specific reference to guidelines from oncologic societies.

Predictive Biomarkers for Checkpoint Inhibitor Immune-Related Adverse Events

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are antagonists of inhibitory receptors in the immune system, such as the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4, the programmed cell death protein-1 and its ligand PD-L1, and they are increasingly used in cancer treatment. By blocking certain suppressive pathways, ICIs promote T-cell activation and antitumor activity but may induce so-called immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which mimic traditional autoimmune disorders. With the approval of more ICIs, irAE prediction has become a key factor in improving patient survival and quality of life. Several biomarkers have been described as potential irAE predictors, some of them are already available for clinical use and others are under development; examples include circulating blood cell counts and ratios, T-cell expansion and diversification, cytokines, autoantibodies and autoantigens, serum and other biological fluid proteins, human leucocyte antigen genotypes, genetic variations and gene profiles, microRNAs, and the gastrointestinal microbiome. Nevertheless, it is difficult to generalize the application of irAE biomarkers based on the current evidence because most studies have been retrospective, time-limited and restricted to a specific type of cancer, irAE or ICI. Long-term prospective cohorts and real-life studies are needed to assess the predictive capacity of different potential irAE biomarkers, regardless of the ICI type, organ involved or cancer site.

Predictive Biomarkers for Immune-Related Endocrinopathies following Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Treatment

In recent years, in the context of the increase in the life expectancy of cancer patients, special attention has been given to immunotherapy and, indeed, to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has increased rapidly, and approximately 40% of cancer patients are eligible for this treatment. Although their impact is valuable on cancer treatment, immune checkpoint inhibitors come with side effects, known as immune-related adverse effects. These can affect many systems, including cutaneous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, neural, and pulmonary systems. In this review, we focus on immune-related endocrinopathies that affect around 10% of all treated patients. Endocrine dysfunctions can manifest as hypophysitis, thyroid dysfunction, hypoparathyroidism, insulin-deficient diabetes mellitus, and primary adrenal insufficiency. Currently, there are multiple ongoing clinical trials that aim to identify possible predictive biomarkers for immune-related adverse effects. The design of those clinical trials relies on collecting a variety of biological specimens (tissue biopsy, blood, plasma, saliva, and stool) at baseline and regular intervals during treatment. In this review, we present the predictive biomarkers (such as antibodies, hormones, cytokines, human leukocyte antigens, and eosinophils) that could potentially be utilized in clinical practice in order to predict adverse effects and manage them appropriately.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated toxicity in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: An updated understanding of risk factors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as programmed death-1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) antibodies, etc, have revolutionized cancer treatment strategies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While these immunotherapy agents have achieved durable clinical benefits in a subset of NSCLC patients, they bring in a variety of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which involve cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, endocrine and dermatologic system damage, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Thus, there is an urgent need to better understand the occurrence of irAEs and predict patients who are susceptible to those toxicities. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of what is updated about the clinical manifestations, mechanisms, predictive biomarkers and management of ICI-associated toxicity in NSCLC. In addition, this review also provides perspective directions for future research of NSCLC-related irAEs.

Management of Endocrine and Metabolic Toxicities of Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors: From Clinical Studies to a Real-Life Scenario

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the therapeutic landscape of solid tumors. However, although ICIs are better tolerated than conventional chemotherapy, their use is associated with a peculiar toxicity profile, related to the enhancement of the immune response, affecting several organs. Among immune-related adverse events (irAEs), up to 10% involve the endocrine system. Most of them are represented by thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism), mainly correlated to the use of anti-PD-1 and/or anti-PD-L1 agents. Less common endocrine irAEs include hypophysitis, adrenalitis, and metabolic irAEs. A deeper understanding of endocrine toxicities is a critical goal for both oncologists and endocrinologists. A strict collaboration between these specialists is mandatory for early recognition and proper treatment of these patients. In this review we will provide a comprehensive overview of endocrine and metabolic adverse events of ICIs, with particular interest in the pathogenesis, predisposing factors and clinical presentation of these irAEs, and their impact on clinical outcomes of patients. Furthermore, we will summarize the most recent studies and recommendations on the clinical approach to immune-related endocrinopathies with the purpose to optimize the diagnostic algorithm, and to help both oncologists and endocrinologists to improve the therapeutic management of these unique types of irAEs, in a real-life scenario.

Thyroid Dysfunction from Treatments for Solid Organ Cancers

In recent years, cancer care has been transformed by immune-based and targeted treatments. Although these treatments are effective against various solid organ malignancies, multiple adverse effects can occur, including thyroid dysfunction. In this review, the authors consider treatments for solid organ cancers that affect the thyroid, focusing on immune checkpoint inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, and radioactive iodine-conjugated treatments (I-131-metaiodobenzylguanidine). They discuss the mechanisms causing thyroid dysfunction, provide a framework for their diagnosis and management, and explore the association of thyroid dysfunction from these agents with patient survival.

Risk Factors and Biomarkers for Immune-Related Adverse Events: A Practical Guide to Identifying High-Risk Patients and Rechallenging Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are a range of complications associated with the use of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Two major classes of ICIs widely used are Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA4) and Programmed Cell death-1 (PD-1)/Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. High-grade irAEs are life-threatening and often cause a severe decline in performance status in such that patients do not qualify for any further anticancer treatments. It is difficult to generalize the evidence in the current literature on risk factors or biomarkers for the entire class of ICIs as the studies so far are either disease-specific (e.g., lung cancer or melanoma) or ICI agent-specific (e.g., pembrolizumab, ipilimumab) or irAE-specific (e.g., pneumonitis or gastritis). In this review, risk factors and biomarkers to consider before initiating or monitoring ICI are listed with a practical purpose in day-to-day practice. Risk factors are grouped into demographics and social history, medical history, and medication history, tumor-specific and agent-specific risk factors. A higher risk of irAE is associated with age <60 years, high body mass index, women on CTLA4 and men on PD-1/PD-L1 agents, and chronic smokers. Patients with significant kidney (Stage IV-V), cardiac (heart failure, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension), and lung (asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are at a higher risk of respective organ-specific irAEs. Pre-existing autoimmune disease and chronic use of certain drugs (proton pump inhibitors, diuretics, anti-inflammatory drugs) also increase the irAE-risk. Biomarkers are categorized into circulating blood counts, cytokines, autoantibodies, HLA genotypes, microRNA, gene expression profiling, and serum proteins. The blood counts and certain protein markers (albumin and thyroid-stimulating hormone) are readily accessible in current practice. High neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, eosinophil/monocyte/lymphocyte counts; TSH and troponins at diagnosis and drop in the white count and lymphocyte count can predict irAE. Other biomarkers with limited evidence are cytokines, autoantibodies, HLA genotypes, microRNA, and gene expression profiling. With fast-expanding approvals for ICIs in various cancer types, knowledge on risk factors and biomarkers can help providers assess the irAE-risk of their patients. Prospective disease and agent-specific studies are needed to provide further insight on this essential aspect of ICI therapy.

The changing clinical spectrum of endocrine adverse events in cancer immunotherapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of several malignancies, improving patient survival and quality of life. Endocrinopathies have emerged as a clinically significant group of immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). Although the mechanism of ICI toxicities has not been clarified, inhibition of immune checkpoints reduces immune tolerance to autoantigens, resulting in the development of autoimmunity disorders. We report current evidence regarding endocrine IRAEs that may have diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Management should be focused on a multidisciplinary approach to reach a prompt diagnosis and an appropriate and safe treatment.

Associations between immune-related thyroid dysfunction and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is growing evidence suggesting that the occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) may be a predictor of immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy. Whether this association extends to all irAEs or just those within particular organs/systems is yet to be resolved. As immune-related thyroid dysfunction (thyroid irAE) is one of the most commonly reported irAEs, this study aims to summarize the available data and determine if thyroid irAE is a surrogate marker for improved cancer outcomes during ICI therapy.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched up to July 1st 2021 for studies assessing the relationship between thyroid irAE development during ICI therapy and cancer outcomes. Outcome measures of interest include overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Sub-group analyses based on cancer type and adjustment for immortal time bias (ITB) were also performed.

RESULTS

Forty-seven studies were included in the systematic review. Twenty-one studies were included in the OS meta-analysis whilst 15 were included in the PFS meta-analysis. Development of thyroid irAE during ICI therapy was associated with improved OS and PFS (OS: HR 0.52, CI 0.43-0.62, p < 0.001; PFS: HR 0.58, CI 0.50-0.67, p < 0.001). Sub-group analyses involving non-small cell lung cancer populations and studies where ITB was accounted for, observed similar results (HR 0.37, CI 0.24-0.57, p < 0.001) and (HR 0.51, CI 0.39-0.69, p < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Despite the heterogeneity and biases identified, the evidence does suggest that the development of thyroid irAE is associated with anti-tumor effects of ICIs and therefore, can be used as a surrogate marker for clinical response.

Survival benefit of endocrine dysfunction following immune checkpoint inhibitors for nonthyroidal cancers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Our goal is to review pertinent data evaluating the association between immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced endocrine dysfunction and survival in cancer patients as well as to understand the potential molecular links between these.

RECENT FINDINGS

ICIs have revolutionized cancer therapy but have also led to multiple immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Studies have demonstrated a link between the development of irAEs and improved survival, suggesting that ICI-induced antitumor immunity and autoimmunity are coupled. Thyroid irAEs are most frequently and strongly associated with improved survival, particularly in the context of overt thyroid dysfunction. Other endocrine irAEs, such as hypophysitis and diabetes are quite rare wherein the treatment approach or the disease process itself may mitigate improvement in survival. Preclinical and translational data indicate a role for CD4+ T cells, regulatory T cells and/or cytokines mediating irAEs, including thyroiditis.

SUMMARY

The development of irAEs is associated with improved tumor responses and survival in cancer patients. Thyroid irAEs, alone or in combination with other irAEs, are most strongly associated with improved outcomes. Biomarkers of response to ICIs are lacking, despite well-characterized pathologic and genomic susceptibilities predicting ICI efficacy. Early detection of thyroid irAEs may identify patients most likely to have durable antitumor response to ICIs. Although irAEs and antitumor immunity appear 'coupled', translational studies indicate the potential for their 'uncoupling', which could enable antitumor efficacy with greater safety margins.