Hypophysitis Secondary to Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Protein 4 Blockade: Insights into Pathogenesis from an Autopsy Series

Endocrine adverse events in patients with cancer receiving perioperative immune checkpoint blockade: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Perioperative use of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) improves survival in patients with early-stage cancer. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs), frequently involve the endocrine system which may increase perioperative complications and affect quality of life.

Objective

We conducted a meta-analysis to elucidate the impact of adding ICB to conventional neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy on the incidence of endocrine AEs.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomize-controlled trials (RCTs).

Data sources and methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane library was performed for RCTs comparing groups with and without the addition of ICB to conventional perioperative therapy in patients with cancer. Outcomes included all-grade and grade 3-5 thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, hypophysitis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and hyperglycemia. The odds ratios (ORs) of all-grade and grade 3-5 endocrine were pooled using the random-effect model meta-analysis.

Results

Twenty-four RCTs comprising 12,199 patients were identified for meta-analysis. The addition of ICB was associated with higher incidence of thyroiditis [all grade: OR = 3.53 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.88-6.64)], hyperthyroidism [all-grade: 7.18 (4.30-12.01); grade 3-5: 3.93 (1.21-12.82)], hypothyroidism [all-grade: 5.39 (3.68-7.90); grade 3-5: 3.63 (1.18-11.11)], adrenal insufficiency [all-grade: 3.82 (1.88-7.79); grade 3-5: 5.91 (2.36-14.82)], hypophysitis [all-grade: 10.29 (4.97-21.3); grade 3-5: 5.80 (1.99-16.92)], and type 1 diabetes mellitus [all-grade: 2.24 (1.06-4.74); grade 3-5: 3.49 (1.21-10.08)]. The cumulative incidence of each grade 3-5 endocrine AE was low (<1.3%). No grade 5 AEs leading to death were observed.

Conclusion

The addition of neoadjuvant/adjuvant ICB to conventional therapy was associated with an increased incidence of several endocrine AEs. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of endocrinopathy from the perioperative ICB use to facilitate risk-benefit discussion with patients with early-stage cancer.

Trial registration

The protocol of this research was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022332624).

Diagnosing and treating the elderly individual with hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism in the elderly is an underestimated condition mainly due to the non-specific presentation that can be attributed to the effects of aging and the presence of comorbidities. Diagnosis and treatment of hypopituitarism often represent a challenging task and this is even more significant in the elderly. Diagnosis can be insidious due to the physiological changes occurring with aging that complicate the interpretation of hormonal investigations, and the need to avoid some provocative tests that carry higher risks of side effects in this population. Treatment of hypopituitarism has generally the goal to replace the hormonal deficiencies to restore a physiological balance as close as possible to that of healthy individuals but in the elderly this must be balanced with the risks of over-replacement and worsening of comorbidities. Moreover, the benefit of some hormonal replacement therapies in the elderly, including sex hormones and growth hormone, remains controversial.

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 correlation between immune-related adverse events and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment by targeting the cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 and programmed death-1/ligand-1. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors show promising therapeutic efficacy, they often cause immune-related adverse events. Immune-related adverse events differ from the side effects of conventional chemotherapy and require vigilant monitoring. These events predominantly affect organs, such as the colon, liver, lungs, pituitary gland, thyroid and skin, with rare cases affecting the heart, nervous system and other tissues. As immune-related adverse events result from immune activation, indicating the reinvigoration of exhausted immune cells that attack both tumors and normal tissues, it is theoretically possible that immune-related adverse events may signal a better response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Recent retrospective studies have explored the link between immune-related adverse event development and clinical efficacy; however, the predictive value of immune-related adverse events in the immune checkpoint inhibitor response remains unclear. Additionally, studies have focused on immune-related adverse events, timing of onset and immunosuppressive treatments. This review focuses on pivotal studies of the association between immune-related adverse events and outcomes in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Pituitary-related immune adverse events induced by programmed death Protein-1 inhibitors differ clinically from hypophysitis

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to elucidate the clinical features of pituitary immune-related adverse events (irAEs) induced by PD-1 inhibitors in a Chinese cohort and the previous literatures.

PATIENTS AND DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS

We retrospectively analysed the clinical manifestations, laboratory examination findings, imaging features and treatments of 14 patients with pituitary irAEs caused by PD-1 inhibitors in our cohort. In addition, we searched PubMed for all English articles on pituitary irAEs induced by PD-1 inhibitors published from 1950 to 2023. A total of 47 articles were included, and the clinical characteristics of 94 patients with pituitary irAEs induced by PD-1 inhibitors in these literatures were compared to the characteristics of our cohort.

RESULTS

Among the 14 patients in our cohort with pituitary irAEs induced by PD-1 inhibitors, 12 patients (85.71%, 12/14) exhibited isolated ACTH deficiency (IAD), 100.0% (14/14) of the central adrenocortical insufficiency, and 2 patients showed more than one hypothalamic-pituitary axis injury (14.29%, 2/14). Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging in all the 14 patients showed no pituitary enlargement. In previous studies we reviewed, 82.98% of the total (78/94) presented with pituitary irAEs as IAD, 100.0% (94/94) of the central adrenocortical insufficiency, and 78.33% of the patients showed no abnormality of the pituitary gland (47/60). The pituitary irAEs caused by PD-1 inhibitors did not involve typical manifestations of hypophysitis, such as pituitary enlargement, headache, visual field defects, and multiple pituitary function impairments in our cohort and the previous literatures.

CONCLUSION

In our study, pituitary immune-related adverse reactions induced by PD-1 inhibitors mainly manifested isolated ACTH deficiency rather than hypophysitis.

Postpartum Hypophysitis: A Case Report and a Literature Review

Hypophysitis is a rare pituitary gland disease primarily seen in females of reproductive age. Patients can present with various non-specific symptoms, which makes diagnosis challenging. Appropriate endocrine workup supplemented with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps establish a diagnosis. We present a case of a 22-year-old postpartum female who came with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Global endocrine insufficiency was seen in the laboratory workup, and an MRI confirmed the diagnosis of hypophysitis. She was treated with steroid and thyroid hormone supplementation.

Early Serum Markers for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Induced Hypophysitis in Melanoma Patients

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown promising anti-tumor activities and are widely used for the treatment of advanced cancers. However, they may lead to immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and some of them, such as hypophysitis, can be life-threatening. Here, early diagnosis is critical.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 40 melanoma patients who developed hypophysitis during ICI treatment with either ipilimumab and/or anti-PD1 therapy and compared them to 40 control patients who did not develop hypophysitis during the ICI treatment, matched for age, gender, type of immunotherapy, and stage. Clinical data and blood values such as LDH, CRP, TSH, T3, T4, and absolute immune cell counts were retrieved from the medical records. Patient characteristics, laboratory values, progression-free survival, and overall survival were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Patients with ir-hypophysitis had a median age of 59 years, and most of them were male. Clinically, frequent symptoms were fatigue, headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or abdominal pain. The onset of ir-hypophysitis differed much between ipilimumab- (median 8 weeks) and anti-PD1 (median 40 weeks)-induced hypophysitis (p < 0.001). At baseline, besides a slightly increased CRP level (p = 0.06), no differences were observed in patients who later developed hypophysitis compared to the control. After treatment started, hypophysitis patients showed a constant and significant decline in T4 levels from the start of therapy until diagnosis (p < 0.05), independent of the ICI treatment regime. However, a decline in T3 and TSH was only noted in patients with ipilimumab-induced ir-hypophysitis. Furthermore, serum sodium levels declined rapidly at the diagnosis of hypophysitis (p < 0.001). In addition, there was a constant increase in the absolute counts of eosinophils and lymphocytes from baseline in hypophysitis patients (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ir-hypophysitis reveals different clinical pictures and onset times depending on the ICI regime used. Whereas a drop in T4 levels was indicative of developing hypophysitis independent of the ICI regime, TSH levels only declined in patients under ipilimumab-based ICI regimes. To best monitor our patients, it is important to recognize these differences.

PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors associated hypophysitis: An analysis from the FAERS database and case reports

To get a thorough understanding of PD-1/L1 inhibitor-related hypophysitis (PD-1/L1-irH), we utilized a combination of disproportionality analysis and case analysis to comprehensively characterize the clinical features of PD-1/L1-irH. Significant signals of hypophysitis were detected for all PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the FAERS (FDA Adverse Event Reporting System). As revealed by both FAERS and the case analysis, PD-1/L1-irH occurred more commonly in males, PD-1 inhibitors users and patients older than 65 years. The median onset time was 101 days in FAERS and 8 cycles in the case analysis. In the case analysis, eight late-onset PD-1/L1-irHs occurred even after a discontinuation of several months (4-15 months). As revealed in FAERS, the outcome of PD-1/L1-irH tended to be poor, generally resulting in 64.66% hospitalization and 12.59% death. Fatigue was the most prominent symptom of PD-1/L1-irH, followed by anorexia, hyponatremia, and hypotension, as revealed by the analysis of 84 cases. Meanwhile isolated adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) deficiency was particularly prevalent for PD-1/L1-irH (85.71%), while gonadal hormones or posterior pituitary hormones deficiencies were rare. Glucocorticoids were administered to almost all cases (81/84), with a physiologic or stress dosage in 61.9% of cases, and a high-dose in 26.2% of cases. Most cases (58.3%) showed a favorable tumor response before diagnosis of PD-1/L1-irH. PD-1/L1-irH may occur throughout the whole therapy period even after discontinuation. Clinicians should pay more attention to PD-1 inhibitor users, males and older patients. Early diagnosis and prompt managements are crucial for PD-1/L1-irH as its potentially life-threatening nature.

Rheumatic adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy

INTRODUCTION

The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer treatment has marked a transformative era, albeit tempered by immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including those impacting the musculoskeletal system. The lack of precise epidemiologic data on rheumatic irAEs is attributed to factors such as potential underrecognition, underreporting in clinical trials, and the tendency to overlook manifestations without immediate life-threatening implications, further complicating the determination of accurate incidence rates, while the complete understanding of the mechanisms driving rheumatic irAEs remains elusive.

AREAS COVERED

This literature review comprehensively examines rheumatic irAEs in cancer patients undergoing ICI therapy, encompassing epidemiology, risk factors, mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and current management guidance for prevalent conditions such as inflammatory arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and myositis. Less frequent rheumatic and musculoskeletal irAEs are also explored, alongside insights into ongoing clinical trials testing therapeutic and preventive strategies for irAEs. A thorough literature search on Medline and the National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Database was conducted up to October 2023 to compile relevant information.

EXPERT OPINION

In light of the evolving landscape of cancer immunotherapy, there is a compelling need for prospective longitudinal studies to enhance understanding and inform clinical management strategies for rheumatic irAEs.

Risk and Incidence of Endocrine Immune-Related Adverse Effects Under Checkpoint Inhibitor Mono- or Combination Therapy in Solid Tumors: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

CONTEXT

Few meta-analyses on incidence of endocrine immune-related adverse effects (eirAEs) have been published and many trials have been published since.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis with updated literature to assess risk and incidence of eirAEs of any grade and grade 3 to 5 by immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy or combination therapy in solid tumors.

METHODS

An electronic search using PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed. Randomized controlled studies (RCTs) assessing eirAEs under ICI monotherapy or ICI combination therapy were selected. Stata software (v17) was used for statistical analyses and risk of bias was evaluated using Review Manager version 5.3.

RESULTS

A total of 69 RCTs with 80 independent reports, involving 42 886 patients, were included in the study. Meta-analysis revealed the following pooled estimates for risk ratio and incidence, respectively: for any grade hypothyroidism 7.81 (95% CI, 5.68-10.74, P < .0001) and 7.64% (95% CI, 6.23-9.17, P < .0001); significantly increased also for hyperthyroidism, hypophysitis/hypopituitarism, and adrenal insufficiency; and for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus 1.52 (95% CI, 1.07-2.18, P = .02), and 0.087% (95% CI, 0.019-0.189, P = .0006), respectively. Meta-regression showed that combination of ICIs (nivolumab plus ipilimumab; durvalumab plus tremelimumab) is an independent risk factor for any grade hypophysitis/hypopituitarism, and that ICI agent is an independent factor of risk for adrenal insufficiency, but that cancer type is not an independent risk factor for eirAEs.

CONCLUSION

We showed that risk, independent from cancer type, and incidence of eirAEs are substantially increased with ICI therapy. Combination of ICIs increases risk for eirAEs, especially for hypophysitis/hypopituitarism.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis: research advances in prediction and management

The advent of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the treatment of malignant solid tumors in the last decade, producing lasting benefits in a subset of patients. However, unattended excessive immune responses may lead to immune-related adverse events (irAEs). IrAEs can manifest in different organs within the body, with pulmonary toxicity commonly referred to as immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP). The CIP incidence remains high and is anticipated to rise further as the therapeutic indications for ICIs expand to encompass a wider range of malignancies. The diagnosis and treatment of CIP is difficult due to the large individual differences in its pathogenesis and severity, and severe CIP often leads to a poor prognosis for patients. This review summarizes the current state of clinical research on the incidence, risk factors, predictive biomarkers, diagnosis, and treatment for CIP, and we address future directions for the prevention and accurate prediction of CIP.

Hypopituitarism induced by pembrolizumab plus axitinib in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A case report

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies have broadened the armamentarium for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). As the ICI therapy spreads in the clinical settings, immune-related adverse events are more of a concern for clinicians. The present study reports three cases of mRCC treated with pembrolizumab plus axitinib and diagnosed hypopituitarism based on clinical symptoms and hormonal profile. Acute methylprednisolone infusion therapy was necessary in one case because of severe adrenal hypofunction; however, the clinical symptoms of the other two cases were controlled with oral corticosteroid therapy. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report of pembrolizumab plus axitinib related hypopituitarism in the treatment of mRCC. The present cases suggests that hypopituitarism after pembrolizumab plus axitinib treatment for mRCC can be handled with steroid therapy even after the development of hypopituitarism.

Unraveling the complex interplay between anti-tumor immune response and autoimmunity mediated by B cells and autoantibodies in the era of anti-checkpoint monoclonal antibody therapies

The intricate relationship between anti-tumor immunity and autoimmunity is a complex yet crucial aspect of cancer biology. Tumor microenvironment often exhibits autoimmune features, a phenomenon that involves natural autoimmunity and the induction of humoral responses against self-antigens during tumorigenesis. This induction is facilitated by the orchestration of anti-tumor immunity, particularly within organized structures like tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). Paradoxically, a significant number of cancer patients do not manifest autoimmune features during the course of their illness, with rare instances of paraneoplastic syndromes. This discrepancy can be attributed to various immune-mediated locks, including regulatory or suppressive immune cells, anergic autoreactive lymphocytes, or induction of effector cells exhaustion due to chronic stimulation. Overcoming these locks holds the risk to induce autoimmune mechanisms during cancer progression, a phenomenon notably observed with anti-immune checkpoint therapies, in contrast to more conventional treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Therefore, the challenge arises in managing immune-related adverse events (irAEs) induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment, as decoupling them from the anti-tumor activity poses a significant clinical dilemma. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the link between B-cell driven anti-tumor responses and autoimmune reactions in cancer patients, and discusses the clinical implications of this relationship.

Adrenal crisis mainly manifested as recurrent syncope secondary to tislelizumab: a case report and literature review

As an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), tislelizumab is an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) drug. With the extensive application of ICIs, there is an ever-increasing proportion of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in clinical settings, some of which may even be life-threatening. Herein, we present a patient with tislelizumab-induced adrenal crisis. The main clinical manifestation was recurrent syncope accompanied by high-grade fever. Timely identification and hormone replacement therapy helped the patient overcome the crisis well. Finally, the patient discontinued tislelizumab and switched to antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapy. We report this case to improve our understanding of this situation, identify this kind of disease, and prevent adrenal crisis in time. Eventually, limiting toxicities reduces the interruption of immunotherapy. Since irAEs are multisystem damage with more non-specific symptoms, except for oncologists, general practitioners who endorse the need for taking a holistic approach to the patient should play a vital role in the management of cancer treatment.

Fulminant ACTH decrease following diabetic ketoacidosis induced by immune checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab: A case report

RATIONALE

The increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for treating malignant tumors result in the concomitant rise of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). This case report may provide useful insight to understanding the etiology of ICI-induced hypophysitis, a severe irAE leading to potentially fatal secondary adrenal insufficiency.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 81-year-old Japanese man was hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis following 4 courses of ICI combination therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

DIAGNOSIS

Insulin secretion was depleted, leading to diagnosis of fulminant type 1 diabetes. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels were very high (60.8 pmol/L and 1575 nmol/L, respectively) upon admission. ACTH and cortisol returned to normal ranges on the 2nd day. On the 8th day, an ACTH loading test showed intact cortisol response (peak value 519 nmol/L). However, on the 14th day, there was a sharp decrease in ACTH and cortisol levels (10.5 pmol/L and 47 nmol/L, respectively) accompanied by fatigue and a drop in blood pressure to 97/63 mm Hg. As secondary adrenal insufficiency was suspected, hydrocortisone replacement was initiated. An ACTH loading test on the 17th day revealed low cortisol peak (peak value 232 nmol/L), indicating sudden disruption of adrenal function. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no abnormal findings and there was no other pituitary hormone deficiency. These findings, along with the patient clinical course, suggest that secondary adrenal insufficiency was caused by acute ACTH producing cell destruction as an irAE associated with ICI therapy.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis were treated using extracellular fluid and insulin therapy. After development of adrenal insufficiency, hydrocortisone 20 mg was started, and the patient symptoms improved.

OUTCOMES

He was continued on insulin therapy, hydrocortisone, and reinitiated nivolumab.

LESSONS

This case provides a detailed course of the fulminant onset of ACTH deficiency during ICI administration, emphasizing the importance of close monitoring.

Exploring a Rarity: Incidence of and Therapeutic Approaches for Neurological Complications and Hypophysitis in Cancer Patients on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors-A Single-Center Study

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors, have become the standard of care for many cancer types. However, they induce immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including neurotoxicity and hypophysitis. The incidence and outcomes of neurotoxicity and hypophysitis in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors are not well established. We conducted a retrospective study of 812 patients with solid cancers who received immune checkpoint inhibitors at the University General Hospital of Ioannina between January 2018 and January 2023. We assessed demographic and clinical data, including the severity of symptoms, treatment regimen, other irAEs, resolution type and time, and death. Two patients experienced neurotoxicity and two hypophysitis. All four patients required inpatient administration and received corticosteroids or/and hormone replacement. Three patients responded to the initial therapy, experiencing full recovery, while one patient was corticosteroid-resistant, and immunoglobin G was administered. Two patients never received immunotherapy after their toxicity due to the severity of symptoms; one patient continued monotherapy with nivolumab, changing from combination therapy with ipilimumab-nivolumab, while the fourth patient continued his initial treatment with nivolumab. Our study suggests that the incidence of neurotoxicity and hypophysitis in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors is low, but careful monitoring and prompt treatment with corticosteroids are necessary for effective management.

Life-Threatening Endocrinological Immune-Related Adverse Events of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

Malignant neoplasms are currently one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, posing a major public health challenge. However, recent advances in research in cancer biology and immunity have led to the development of immunotherapy, which is now used on an everyday basis in cancer treatment in addition to surgical treatment, classical cytostatics, and radiotherapy. The efficacy of immunotherapy has promoted the great popularity of this treatment among patients, as well as significant research interest. The increasing number of patients being treated with immunotherapy not only reassures physicians of the efficacy of this technique but also shows the wide spectrum of side effects of this therapy, which has not been considered before. Immune-related adverse events may affect many systems and organs, such as digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, skin, or endocrine organs. Most complications have a mild or moderate course, but there are life-threatening manifestations that are essential to be aware of because if they are not properly diagnosed and treated on time, they can have fatal consequences. The purpose of this paper was to present the results of a literature review on the current state of knowledge on life-threatening endocrine side effects (such as adrenal crisis, thyroid storm, myxoedema crisis, diabetic ketoacidosis, and severe hypocalcaemia) of immune checkpoint inhibitors to provide information on symptoms, diagnostics, and management strategies.

Inflammatory and Infectious Disorders in Endocrine Pathology

A variety of inflammatory conditions may directly involve the endocrine glands, leading to endocrine dysfunction that can cause severe consequences on patients' health, if left untreated. Inflammation of the endocrine system may be caused by either infectious agents or other mechanisms, including autoimmune and other immune-mediated processes. Not infrequently, inflammatory and infectious diseases may appear as tumor-like lesions of endocrine organs and simulate neoplastic processes. These diseases may be clinically under-recognized and not infrequently the diagnosis is suggested on pathological samples. Thus, the pathologist should be aware of the basic principles of their pathogenesis, as well as of their morphological features, clinicopathological correlates, and differential diagnosis. Interestingly, several systemic inflammatory conditions show a peculiar tropism to the endocrine system as a whole. In turn, organ-specific inflammatory disorders are observed in endocrine glands. This review will focus on the morphological aspects and clinicopathological features of infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, drug-induced inflammatory reactions, IgG4-related disease, and other inflammatory disorders involving the endocrine system. A mixed entity-based and organ-based approach will be used, with the aim to provide the practicing pathologist with a comprehensive and practical guide to the diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory disorders of the endocrine system.

Pituitary-Related Adverse Events and Onset Patterns Caused by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Analysis Using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report Database

Background and Objectives: One type of immune-related adverse event caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is pituitary-related adverse events. The management of pituitary-related adverse events is important because they can be fatal if not treated promptly. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the onset of pituitary-related adverse events using the Japanese Adverse Drug Report (JADER) database. Materials and Methods: Cases registered in the JADER database from 2004 to 2019 were used. The target drugs were ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, avelumab, atezolizumab, and durvalumab, and the target adverse events were the high-level terms "Anterior pituitary hypofunction," "Anterior pituitary hyperfunction," "Posterior pituitary disorder," and "Pituitary neoplasm" in the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities, Japanese version (MedDRA/J). The information component (IC) was used for signal detection and IC delta (ICΔ) was used for women-related signals. Onset timing and patterns were analyzed using the Weibull distribution. Results: Signals were detected with ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab in "Anterior pituitary hypofunction," with ICs and 95% credible intervals (95%CrI) of 5.53 (5.30-5.69), 4.96 (4.79-5.08), 4.04 (3.76-4.25), and 2.40 (1.53-3.00). Significant signals were detected in women, except for atezolizumab. Additionally, the time of onset was classified as the wear-out failure type. Inverse signals were detected with ipilimumab and nivolumab in "Posterior pituitary disorder," with ICs (95%CrI) of -1.24 (-2.80--0.26), and -0.89 (-1.64--0.37). Conclusions: Anterior pituitary hypofunction is likely to occur with the long-term administration of ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab. Further investigation is needed to determine the differences in the tendencies to detect signals in the anterior and posterior pituitaries between ipilimumab and nivolumab.

Metachronous immune-related adverse events involving type 1 diabetes and isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency associated with pembrolizumab monotherapy for metastatic head and neck cancer: a case report

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors might cause immune-related adverse events that are still largely unknown.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 80-year-old Asian female was diagnosed with cervical lymph node metastasis from lip cancer (cT1N0M0) and underwent right cervical neck dissection. Subsequently, she developed right cervical lymph node relapse and lung metastasis. The patient was deemed eligible for pembrolizumab owing to unresectable neck recurrence and pulmonary metastasis. The Combined Positive Score of the submandibular lymph nodes was 100. Pembrolizumab monotherapy was initiated, and complete remission was achieved. She developed diabetic ketoacidosis in the eighth month and was diagnosed with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus. Insulin induction was performed. The patient developed adrenal insufficiency after 10 months. These were immune-related adverse events, caused by pembrolizumab. The patient has remained in complete remission, and pembrolizumab therapy was continued.

CONCLUSIONS

The study presents the first reported case of type 1 diabetes in a patient with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy, in Japan. Efficient interdepartmental collaboration will promote the management of severe immune-related adverse events and improve the quality of life of patients.

CD4 T cells and toxicity from immune checkpoint blockade

Immune-related toxicities, otherwise known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs), occur in a substantial fraction of cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Ranging from asymptomatic to life-threatening, ICI-induced irAEs can result in hospital admission, high-dose corticosteroid treatment, ICI discontinuation, and in some cases, death. A deeper understanding of the factors underpinning severe irAE development will be essential for improved irAE prediction and prevention, toward maximizing the benefits and safety profiles of ICIs. In recent work, we applied mass cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, single-cell V(D)J sequencing, bulk RNA sequencing, and bulk T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing to identify pretreatment determinants of severe irAE development in patients with advanced melanoma. Across 71 patients separated into three cohorts, we found that two baseline features in circulation-elevated activated CD4 effector memory T-cell abundance and TCR diversity-are associated with severe irAE development, independent of the affected organ system within 3 months of ICI treatment initiation. Here, we provide an extended perspective on this work, synthesize and discuss related literature, and summarize practical considerations for clinical translation. Collectively, these findings lay a foundation for data-driven and mechanistic insights into irAE development, with the potential to reduce ICI morbidity and mortality in the future.

Drawbacks of immune checkpoint inhibition and rigorous management for immune-related adverse events along with a mathematical model to assess therapy success and optimum therapy duration and a strategy against tumor plasticity

PURPOSE

Immune checkpoint inhibition therapy (ICIT) is an emerging field in oncology especially opening new horizons to chemotherapy refractory patients. However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and undesired response patterns such as progression after the initial good response in a subset of patients pose a major challenge and drawback to ICIT. This paper provides deep insight into ICIT related bottlenecks and corresponding effective management and combat strategies for very complex complications.

METHODS

The relevant literatures from PubMed have been reviewed. Based on obtained information, rigorous and exhaustive analyses have been made to present novel methods and strategies against ICIT drawbacks and bottlenecks.

RESULTS

The results show that baseline biomarker tests are very crucial to identify suitable candidates for ICIT and frequent assessments throughout ICIT help to recognize possible irAEs at early stages. Equally important are the necessity for mathematical definitions for the ICIT success rate and optimum duration, and the development of combat mechanisms against loss of sensitivity within the tumor microenvironment (TME).

CONCLUSION

Rigorous management approaches are presented for mostly observed irAEs. Furthermore, for the first time in the literature, a non-linear mathematical model is invented to measure the ICIT success rate and to decide about the optimum ICIT duration. Finally, a strategy against tumor plasticity is introduced.

Endocrine immune-related adverse effects of immune-checkpoint inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

Immune-checkpoint inhibitor therapy modulates the response of the immune system acting against cancer. Two pathways impacted by this kind of treatment are the CTLA4 and the PD-1/PD-L1 pathways. ICI therapy can trigger autoimmune adverse effects, known as immune-related Adverse Events (irAEs).

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on irAEs which affect the endocrine system. This review elucidates the pathways used by these drugs with a focus on the hypothetical pathogenesis at their basis. In fact, the pathophysiology of irAEs concerns the possibility of an interaction between cellular autoimmunity, humoral immunity, cytokines, chemokines, and genetics. The endocrine irAEs examined are thyroid dysfunctions, immune related-hypophysitis, diabetes, peripheral adrenal insufficiency, and hypoparathyroidism.

EXPERT OPINION

There is still much to investigate in endocrine irAES of checkpoint inhibitors. In the future, checkpoint inhibitors will be increasingly utilized therapies, and therefore it is crucial to find the proper diagnostic-therapeutic program for irAEs, especially as endocrine irAEs are nonreversible and require lifelong replacement therapies.

Novel Cellular and Immunotherapy: Toxicities and Perioperative Implications

Targeted cellular and immunotherapies have welcomed a new chapter in multi-modal cancer therapy. These agents harness our innate immune system and destroy malignant cells in a precise way as compared with "legacy" chemotherapeutic agents that largely rely on abolishing cell division. New therapies can augment the T-cell recognition of tumor antigens and effectively prevent tumor cells from their historically successful ability to evade immune recognition. These novel agents cause acute and chronic toxicities to a variety of organ systems (enteritis, pneumonitis, hypophysitis, and hepatitis), and this may masquerade as other chronic illnesses or paraneoplastic effects. As the perioperative footprint of cancer patients increases, it is essential that perioperative providers-anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurse anesthetists, and inpatient hospital medicine providers-be up to date on the physiologic mechanisms that underlie these new therapies as well as their acute and subacute toxicity profiles. Immunotherapy toxicity can significantly impact perioperative morbidity as well as influence perioperative management, such as prophylaxis for adrenal insufficiency, preoperative pulmonary assessment, and screening for thyroid dysfunction, among others.

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).

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Endocrine Adverse Events in Cancer Patients at a Tertiary Care Center in Saudi Arabia

INTRODUCTION

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are approved to treat several types of cancer, but they may cause an exaggerated immune response. This can lead to immune-related adverse events such as endocrinopathies, which mostly affect the thyroid and pituitary gland.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 125 cancer patients receiving ICIs (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and ipilimumab) between July 2018 and July 2022. The study reviewed hormone test results and the clinical perspectives of patients to identify and characterize endocrine adverse events associated with ICI therapy in cancer patients.

RESULTS

Among the 125 patients who were examined, a total of 26 patients (20.8%) encountered endocrine-related adverse effects. A total of 25 patients had thyroid dysfunction. Hypophysitis was detected in a limited cohort of two patients, along with primary hypothyroidism. A case of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus was seen in a single patient. None of the patients had primary adrenal insufficiency or parathyroid dysfunction. The administration of pembrolizumab was shown to be associated with the occurrence of thyroid dysfunction in 18 cases, as well as two cases of hypophysitis. In contrast, nivolumab was responsible for inducing thyroid dysfunction in four cases. The remaining occurrences were attributable to combination treatment.

CONCLUSION

The study found an increased risk of thyroid dysfunction among cancer patients receiving ICIs, while pituitary dysfunction was a less frequent adverse effect. It is recommended that an endocrine assessment be conducted before therapy initiation and periodically afterward.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors as A Threat to Reproductive Function: A Systematic Review

In recent years, the indications for immunotherapy in cancer treatment have been expanding. The increased risk of cancer in young people, coupled with the fact that many women or men choose to delay childbearing, has made an increasing number of patients of childbearing age eligible for immunotherapy. Furthermore, with the improvements of various treatments, more young people and children are able to survive cancer. As a result, long-term sequelae of cancer treatments, such as reproductive dysfunction, are increasingly important for survivors. While many anti-cancer drugs are known to cause reproduction dysfunction, the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) on reproduction function remain largely unknown. Through a retrospective analysis of previous reports and literature, this article aims to elucidate the causes of reproductive dysfunction induced by ICIs and focus on their specific mechanisms, in order to providing some guidance to clinicians and patients.

Endocrine immune-related adverse events in patients with metastatic renal and urothelial cancer treated with immune checkpoint-inhibitors

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of immune-related adverse events (e-irAE) of checkpoint inhibition (ICI) in metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

METHODS

A retrospective, single-center study was conducted to identify a cohort that received ICI for mUC or mRCC. e-irAE were classified according to the CTCAE V.5.0. Patients received ICI for mUC or mCC between 01/2017 and 03/2021. A retrospective chart review was performed. T-Test, the chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact test were performed.

RESULTS

102 Patients received ICI [mUC: 40 (39%), mRCC: 62 (61%)]. 64 (63%) received an ICI monotherapy, 27 (27%) a dual ICI therapy, 11 (11%) a combination with VEGFi. e-irAE occurred in 19 (19%) patients [grade 1-2: 17 (84%), grade 3: 3 (16%)]. The median time until e-irAE was 42 days (range 11-211 days). 14 Patients developed thyroidism (14%), 4 (4%) a hypophysitis, 1 (1%) an adrenal insufficiency (AI). 7 patients (7%) had to discontinue ICI therapy [hypophysitis (100%), AI (100%), thyroidism (14%)]. 6 (86%) received cortisone. After a median range of 34 days 5 patients (71%) restarted ICI therapy. All patients (n = 4) with hypophysitis continued ICI [4 (100%) prednisone, 3 (75%) levothyroxine]. 11 (79%) presented with hyperthyroidism. 4 (37%) needed therapy (1 (7%) prednisone, 3 (21%) thiamazole, 2 (14%) beta blocker). The 9 (64%) patients with hypothyroidism received levothyroxine. Hypophysitis appears only on dual ICI (CTLA-4/PD-1) inhibition (p 0.007).

CONCLUSION

This study shows the importance of adequate diagnosis and therapy of e-irAEs.

Immune-related adverse effects of checkpoint immunotherapy and implications for the treatment of patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases

During the past decade, there has been a revolution in cancer therapeutics by the emergence of antibody-based immunotherapies that modulate immune responses against tumors. These therapies have offered treatment options to patients who are no longer responding to classic anti-cancer therapies. By blocking inhibitory signals mediated by surface receptors that are naturally upregulated during activation of antigen-presenting cells (APC) and T cells, predominantly PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1, as well as CTLA-4, such blocking agents have revolutionized cancer treatment. However, breaking these inhibitory signals cannot be selectively targeted to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Since the physiologic role of these inhibitory receptors, known as immune checkpoints (IC) is to maintain peripheral tolerance by preventing the activation of autoreactive immune cells, IC inhibitors (ICI) induce multiple types of immune-related adverse effects (irAEs). These irAEs, together with the natural properties of ICs as gatekeepers of self-tolerance, have precluded the use of ICI in patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases (ADs). However, currently accumulating data indicates that ICI might be safely administered to such patients. In this review, we discuss mechanisms of well established and newly recognized irAEs and evolving knowledge from the application of ICI therapies in patients with cancer and pre-existing ADs.

Immune checkpoint biology in health & disease: Immune checkpoint biology and autoimmunity in cancer patients

Immune checkpoints (ICs) play a central role in maintaining immune homoeostasis. The discovery that tumours use this physiological mechanism to avoid elimination by the immune system, opened up avenues for therapeutic targeting of ICs as a novel way of treating cancer. However, this therapy a new array of autoimmune side effects, termed immune-related adverse events (irAEs). In this narrative review, we first recapitulate the physiological function of ICs that are approved targets for cancer immunotherapy (CTLA-4, PD-(L)1 and LAG-3), as the groundwork to critically discuss current knowledge on irAEs. Specifically, we summarize clinical aspects and examine a molecular classification and predisposing factors of irAEs. Finally, we discuss irAE treatment, particularly emphasizing how molecular knowledge is changing the current treatment paradigm.

Progress and Challenges of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Hypophysitis

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a new type of antitumor drug which can achieve antitumor goals by blocking the binding of immune checkpoints to their ligands, thereby enhancing the activity of T cells. Meanwhile, ICIs block the binding of immune checkpoints to their ligands, disrupting the immune tolerance of T cells to self-antigens, which may lead to a series of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced hypophysitis (IH) is a relatively rare irAE. Due to the lack of specificity in clinical manifestations, it is difficult to accurately diagnose IH in a timely manner in clinical practice. However, the risk of adverse events, especially IH, for patients receiving ICIs has not been adequately investigated. Missed or delayed diagnosis may lead to poor prognosis or even adverse clinical outcomes. In this article, we summarize the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of IH.

The immune microenviroment in somatotropinomas: from biology to personalized and target therapy

Pituitary tumors are rare neoplasms, with a heterogeneous biological and clinical behavior, due to their clinical course, local invasive growth, resistance to conventional therapies and the risk of disease progression. Recent studies on tumor microenvironment (TME) provided new knowledge on the biology of these neoplasia, that may explain the different phenotypes of these tumors and suggest new biomarkers able to predict the prognosis and the treatment outcome. The identification of molecular markers that act as targets for biological therapies may open new perspectives in the medical treatments of aggressive pituitary tumors.In this paper, we will review data of TME and target therapies in somatotropinomas.

Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) consensus definitions for immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated immune-related adverse events (irAEs) terminology

Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy may vary substantially in their clinical presentation, including natural history, outcomes to treatment, and patterns. The application of clinical guidelines for irAE management can be challenging for practitioners due to a lack of common or consistently applied terminology. Furthermore, given the growing body of clinical experience and published data on irAEs, there is a greater appreciation for the heterogeneous natural histories, responses to treatment, and patterns of these toxicities, which is not currently reflected in irAE guidelines. Furthermore, there are no prospective trial data to inform the management of the distinct presentations of irAEs. Recognizing a need for uniform terminology for the natural history, response to treatment, and patterns of irAEs, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) convened a consensus panel composed of leading international experts from academic medicine, industry, and regulatory agencies. Using a modified Delphi consensus process, the expert panel developed clinical definitions for irAE terminology used in the literature, encompassing terms related to irAE natural history (ie, re-emergent, chronic active, chronic inactive, delayed/late onset), response to treatment (ie, steroid unresponsive, steroid dependent), and patterns (ie, multisystem irAEs). SITC developed these definitions to support the adoption of a standardized vocabulary for irAEs, which will have implications for the uniform application of irAE clinical practice guidelines and to enable future irAE clinical trials.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors and reproductive failures

The human conceptus is a semi-allograft, which is antigenically foreign to the mother. Hence, the implantation process needs mechanisms to prevent allograft rejection during successful pregnancy. Immune checkpoints are a group of inhibitory pathways expressed on the surface of various immune cells in the form of ligand receptors. Immune cells possess these pathways to regulate the magnitude of immune responses and induce maternal-fetal tolerance. Briefly, 1) CTLA-4 can weaken T cell receptor (TCR) signals and inhibit T cell response; 2) The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can reduce T cell proliferation, enhance T cell anergy and fatigue, reduce cytokine production, and increase T regulatory cell activity to complete the immunosuppression; 3) TIM3 interacts with T cells by binding Gal-9, weakening Th1 cell-mediated immunity and T cell apoptosis; 4) The LAG-3 binding to MHC II can inhibit T cell activation by interfering with the binding of CD4 to MHC II, and; 5) TIGIT can release inhibitory signals to NK and T cells through the ITIM structure of its cytoplasmic tail. Therefore, dysregulated immune checkpoints or the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors may impair human reproduction. This review intends to deliver a comprehensive overview of immune checkpoints in pregnancy, including CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, and their inhibitors, reviewing their roles in normal and pathological human pregnancies.

Three cases of immune-related hypopituitarism after atezolizumab-bevacizumab treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma

We herein report three cases of immune-related hypopituitarism after atezolizumab-bevacizumab treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Case 1 was a man in his 60s with hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis. He had been diagnosed with HCC and undergone surgical resection. However, HCC recurred 17 months after surgery. After 13 cycles of atezolizumab-bevacizumab therapy, general fatigue, appetite loss, and muscle weakness appeared. The plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were decreased. He was diagnosed with central adrenal insufficiency associated with hypopituitarism. Glucocorticoid therapy rapidly improved his symptoms. Case 2 was a man in his 70s with HCC associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). After eight cycles of atezolizumab-bevacizumab therapy, general fatigue, appetite loss, and muscle weakness appeared. Hyponatremia and eosinophilia were observed. He was also diagnosed with hypopituitarism, and glucocorticoid therapy rapidly improved his symptoms. Case 3 was a man in his 60s with HCC associated with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. After 10 cycles of atezolizumab-bevacizumab therapy, hypopituitarism developed. In these cases, the presence of hyponatremia and/or eosinophilia was useful for making a diagnosis. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibody is reported to be likely to induce hypophysitis two to three months after its administration. In contrast, anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) antibody is likely to induce hypopituitarism six to seven months after its administration. These three patients treated with anti-programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody developed hypopituitarism six to nine months later, close to the condition with anti-PD-1 antibody administration. Although immune-related hypopituitarism after atezolizumab-bevacizumab treatment is rare, we should be alert for hypopituitarism developing during atezolizumab-bevacizumab treatment.

Central diabetes insipidus: a late sequela of BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine?

BACKGROUND

The development of an effective vaccine is a powerful tool to contain the global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Still, it raises potential safety concerns about the subsequent enhancement of associated immunopathology. Increasing evidence shows that the endocrine system, including the hypophysis, may be involved in COVID-19. Moreover, occasional but increasing reports of endocrine disorders involving the thyroid have been reported after the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine. Among them, a few cases encompass the pituitary. Here we report a rare case of central diabetes insipidus following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a 59-year-old female patient with a 25-year history of Crohn's disease in long-term remission, who presented with sudden onset of polyuria eight weeks after administration of an mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Laboratory evaluation was consistent with isolated central diabetes insipidus. Magnetic resonance imaging displayed involvement of the infundibulum and the posterior hypophysis. Eighteen months after the vaccination, she is still under desmopressin treatment and had stable pituitary stalk thickening on magnetic resonance imaging. Although Crohn's disease-associated hypophysitis has been reported, it is scarce. In the absence of other recognizable causes of hypophysitis, we believe the involvement of the hypophysis in our patient may have been triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a rare case of central diabetes insipidus potentially associated with SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination. Further studies are needed to understand better the mechanisms underlying autoimmune endocrinopathies development in the context of COVID-19 infection and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

Pregnancy-related hypophysitis revisited

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to assess the distinguishing features of pregnancy-related hypophysitis (PR-Hy) compared to non-pregnancy autoimmune hypophysitis and to evaluate the changing therapeutic approaches and outcomes in PR-Hy over time.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of all published cases with PR-Hy and 6 own cases.

METHODS

A PubMed search was performed and abstracts screened for publications with information on cases with PR-Hy from which full-text review was performed. Clinical features, diagnostic findings, and outcome in relation to treatment modalities in PR-Hy were assessed.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-eight cases with PR-Hy were identified. PR-Hy was significantly delimited from non-PR-Hy by the frequent occurrence of the chiasmal syndrome (50% vs 13%, P < .0001), higher rate of intrasellar origin (94% vs 74%, P = .0005), lower rate of pituitary stalk involvement (39% vs 86%, P < .0001), and low rate of diabetes insipidus (12% vs 54%, P < .0001). The role of surgery in PR-Hy decreased over time while noninvasive treatment modalities increased. The recurrence rate after high-dose glucocorticoid therapy (33%) was high and exceeded that of surgery (2%) and conservative management (2%). In contrast to initial reports on PR-Hy, recent literature regarding outcome of mother's and child's health was positive. The frequency of spontaneous preterm delivery was not increased. Recurrent PR-Hy in a subsequent pregnancy was reported in only two females.

CONCLUSION

PR-Hy has distinct features that delineate the disorder from non-PR-Hy. With increasing experience in diagnosis, availability of adequate replacement therapy, and improved treatment modalities, PR-Hy has lost its threat and the outcome is encouraging.

Checkpoint inhibitor immune-related adverse events: A focused review on autoantibodies and B cells as biomarkers, advancements and future possibilities

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has evolved rapidly with unprecedented treatment benefits being obtained for cancer patients, including improved patient survival. However, over half of the patients experience immune related adverse events (irAEs) or toxicities, which can be fatal, affect the quality of life of patients and potentially cause treatment interruption or cessation. Complications from these toxicities can also cause long term irreversible organ damage and other chronic health conditions. Toxicities can occur in various organ systems, with common observations in the skin, rheumatologic, gastrointestinal, hepatic, endocrine system and the lungs. These are not only challenging to manage but also difficult to detect during the early stages of treatment. Currently, no biomarker exists to predict which patients are likely to develop toxicities from ICI therapy and efforts to identify robust biomarkers are ongoing. B cells and antibodies against autologous antigens (autoantibodies) have shown promise and are emerging as markers to predict the development of irAEs in cancer patients. In this review, we discuss the interplay between ICIs and toxicities in cancer patients, insights into the underlying mechanisms of irAEs, and the involvement of the humoral immune response, particularly by B cells and autoantibodies in irAE development. We also provide an appraisal of the progress, key empirical results and advances in B cell and autoantibody research as biomarkers for predicting irAEs. We conclude the review by outlining the challenges and steps required for their potential clinical application in the future.

IgG4-related hypophysitis: A monocentric experience from North India

Background

Immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related disease is a systemic fibroinflammatory disease characterized by dense infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in the affected tissue(s) with or without elevated plasma levels of IgG4. Hypophysitis itself is a very rare disease with reported prevalence in the operative specimens are around 0.2-0.88%. IgG4-related hypophysitis (IgG4-RH) may account for a substantial percentage of cases previously regarded as idiopathic hypophysitis.

Methods

This study is a registry-based, retrospective, and cohort study from a tertiary care hospital in North India. The medical records and clinical data of biopsy-proven and suspected IgG4-RH patients registered were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment outcome of cases was also explored during this analysis.

Results

Two thousand and six sellar area space-occupying lesions have been operated-on since 2006, among them only four patients had IgG4-RH on histopathological specimen. One case was diagnosed on clinical suspicion. Mean age of the patients was 31.8 ± 6.32 years. Most frequent presenting complaint was headaches. Extracranial manifestations were present in four patients. The most common pituitary dysfunction was cortisol deficiency. 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F FDG PET) was helpful in three cases for diagnosis of hypophysitis and other organ involvement. Classical histological findings with storiform fibrosis, obliterative phlebitis seen in two cases, and IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration were positive in four cases. Surgery was the primary modality of treatment in all four cases. Only one patient received steroids as a primary therapeutic modality.

Conclusion

IgG4-RH is rare. High index of suspicion is required to diagnosis the case precisely. FDG PET is helpful in diagnosing hypophysitis and extrapituitary lesions.

APPROACH TO THE PATIENT WITH IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITOR-ASSOCIATED ENDOCRINE DYSFUNCTION

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are cancer therapies that are approved in at least 19 different cancers. They function by stimulating immune cell responses against cancer, and their toxicities comprise a host of autoinflammatory syndromes that may impact any organ system. Endocrine toxicities occur in as high as 25-50% of ICI recipients, depending on the treatment regimen used. These toxicities vary in severity from mild, asymptomatic cases of subclinical hypothyroidism to severe, fatal cases of adrenal crisis, thyroid dysfunction, or diabetic ketoacidosis. Thus, timely recognition and treatment is critical. Herein, we present clinical cases of ICI-induced thyroid dysfunction, hypophysitis, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. We use these cases to discuss the screening, diagnosis, and management of ICI-associated endocrine dysfunction.

Diabetes insipidus: A rare endocrine complication of immune check point inhibitors: A case report and literature review

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), anti-programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) monoclonal antibodies, are novel therapeutic agents widely used in numerous malignancies. They are known to cause multiple immune-related endocrine adverse events (irAEs); however, anterior pituitary hypophysitis with secondary hypopituitarism is the most frequently reported irAE, especially in patients receiving anti-CTLA-4 treatment. By contrast, posterior pituitary involvement, such as central diabetes insipidus (CDI), is relatively rare and only few case reports have been published. The present report describes the case of a 53-year-old woman with metastatic melanoma treated with nivolumab an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody. At 6 months after the initiation of nivolumab treatment, the patient was diagnosed with deficiency of the corticotrope and thyreotrope axes and in the following 2 months the patient was diagnosed with progressive development of polyuria-polydipsia syndrome. The diagnosis of partial CDI was retained based on plasma and urinary osmolalities, the water deprivation test and baseline copeptin levels as well as on the absence of the bright spot in the posterior pituitary in magnetic resonance imaging. Systematic research of the literature revealed a total of 13 cases reports (including 14 patients) presenting with CDI treated with monotherapy with CTLA-4 (n=5) or PD-1/PD-L1 Abs (n=6) or combined treatments (n=3). The improved understanding of the mechanisms of ICI action along with their extensive use should contribute to the early recognition of irAE symptoms. We hypothesized that clinicians should be aware of this clinical entity and its symptoms and treat it appropriately.

Optimal timing of steroid initiation in response to CTLA-4 antibody in metastatic cancer: A mathematical model

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, introduced in recent years, have revolutionized the treatment of many cancers. However, the toxicity associated with this therapy may cause severe adverse events. In the case of advanced lung cancer or metastatic melanoma, a significant number (10%) of patients treated with CTLA-4 inhibitor incur damage to the pituitary gland. In order to reduce the risk of hypophysitis and other severe adverse events, steroids may be combined with CTLA-4 inhibitor; they reduce toxicity, but they also diminish the anti-cancer effect of the immunotherapy. This trade-off between tumor reduction and the risk of severe adverse events poses the following question: What is the optimal time to initiate treatment with steroid. We address this question with a mathematical model from which we can also evaluate the comparative benefits of each schedule of steroid administration. In particular, we conclude that treatment with steroid should not begin too early, but also not very late, after immunotherapy began; more precisely, it should start as soon as tumor volume, under the effect of CTLA-4 inhibitor alone, begins to decrease. We can also compare the benefits of short term treatment of steroid at high doses to a longer term treatment with lower doses.

Treatment of Brain Metastases: The Synergy of Radiotherapy and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Brain metastases are a devastating sequela of common primary cancers (e.g., lung, breast, and skin) and have limited effective therapeutic options. Previously, systemic chemotherapy failed to demonstrate significant benefit in patients with brain metastases, but in recent decades, targeted therapies and more recently immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have yielded promising results in preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, there is significant interest in harnessing the immunomodulatory effects of radiotherapy (RT) to synergize with ICIs. Herein, we discuss studies evaluating the impact of RT dose and fractionation on the immune response, early studies supporting the synergistic interaction between RT and ICIs, and ongoing clinical trials assessing the benefit of combination therapy in patients with brain metastases.

Immunotherapy for Aggressive and Metastatic Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors (PitNETs): State-of-the Art

Background: Aggressive and metastatic PitNETs are challenging conditions. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are currently considered in cases resistant to temozolomide (TMZ). However, clinical experience is essentially limited to case reports, with variable outcomes. Material and Methods: The effects of ICIs on 12 aggressive/metastatic PitNETs from the literature were reviewed and analyzed according to tumor characteristics, with the additional description of a silent-Pit1 metastatic tumor responding to pembrolizumab. Results: Most cases were metastatic (10/13: 6 corticotroph, 3 lactotroph, 1 silent Pit1); 3 were aggressive (2 corticotroph, 1 lactotroph). ICIS was used either as monotherapy or in combination. At last follow-up on ICI, a complete response (CR) was present in 3 cases and a partial response (PR) in 2 cases (4/5 metastatic). One sustained stable disease (SD) was reported. Progressive disease (PD) was observed in 7 cases, 3 of them after initial SD (n = 1) or PR (n = 3), with 2 reported deaths. PDL1 expression was studied in 10 cases and was high (>95%) in 2 Pit1-derived metastatic PitNETs (1 CR and 1 remarkable PR) but absent/low (<1%) in the remaining cases (including 1 CP and 2 PR). Elevated tumor mutation burden could be informative in corticotroph PitNETs, especially in mismatch repair-deficient tumors. Conclusion: Significant benefits from ICIs were documented in about half of TMZ-resistant PitNETS. High PDL1 expression was associated with remarkable responses but may be dispensable. Based on their acceptable tolerance and awaiting recognized predictors of response, ICIs may be considered a valuable option for such patients.

Imaging features of toxicities associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

The past decade has witnessed a change in landscape of cancer management with the advent of precision oncology. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment and have played an important role in improving patient survival. While the patients are living longer, treatment with ICIs are sometimes associated with adverse effects, some of which could be fatal. Radiologists can play a crucial role by early identification of some of these adverse effects during restaging scans. Our paper focuses on the imaging features of commonly occurring ICI toxicities based on organ system.

HLA analysis of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced and idiopathic isolated ACTH deficiency

PURPOSE

Isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency is a rare disease; however, since immune check point inhibitors (ICIs) have become widely used, many more cases have been reported. In this study, we compared the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) signatures between ICI-induced isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (IAD) and idiopathic IAD (IIAD).

DESIGN AND METHODS

Clinical features and HLA frequencies were compared among 13 patients with ICI-induced IAD, 8 patients with IIAD, and healthy controls. HLA frequencies of healthy controls were adopted from a HLA database of Japanese population.

RESULTS

Age and body mass index were higher, while the rate of weight loss was lower, in patients with ICI-induced IAD than in those with IIAD. No HLA alleles had a significantly higher frequency in patients with ICI-induced IAD than in healthy controls, whereas the frequencies of HLA-DRB1*09:01, HLA-DQA1*03:02, and DQB1*03:03 were significantly higher in patients with IIAD than in healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

ICI-induced IAD and IIAD were different in terms of HLA frequencies. There were no specific HLAs related to ICI-induced IAD, whereas several HLAs in strong linkage disequilibrium were associated with IIAD. This might suggest that the two diseases have different pathological mechanisms. HLAs unique to IIAD may be helpful in predicting its pathophysiology.

The gut microbiome, immune check point inhibition and immune-related adverse events in non-small cell lung cancer

Systemic treatment options for patients with lung cancer have expanded in recent years, with a number of immunotherapeutic strategies now in our treatment armamentarium. Toxicity of and resistance to treatment hold a major stake in lung cancer morbidity and mortality. Herein, we summarise the background, current evidence and potential mechanisms underlying the role of the commensal gut microbiota in immunotherapy outcomes such as response and toxicity in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Insights Into the Host Contribution of Endocrine Associated Immune-Related Adverse Events to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition Therapy

Blockade of immune checkpoints transformed the paradigm of systemic cancer therapy, enabling substitution of a cytotoxic chemotherapy backbone to one of immunostimulation in many settings. Invigorating host immune cells against tumor neo-antigens, however, can induce severe autoimmune toxicity which in many cases requires ongoing management. Many immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are clinically and pathologically indistinguishable from inborn errors of immunity arising from genetic polymorphisms of immune checkpoint genes, suggesting a possible shared driver for both conditions. Many endocrine irAEs, for example, have analogous primary genetic conditions with varied penetrance and severity despite consistent genetic change. This is akin to onset of irAEs in response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which vary in timing, severity and nature despite a consistent drug target. Host contribution to ICI response and irAEs, particularly those of endocrine origin, such as thyroiditis, hypophysitis, adrenalitis and diabetes mellitus, remains poorly defined. Improved understanding of host factors contributing to ICI outcomes is essential for tailoring care to an individual’s unique genetic predisposition to response and toxicity, and are discussed in detail in this review.

Hypophysitis

OBJECTIVE

Hypophysitis is considered a rare inflammatory disease of the pituitary gland. For a long time, primary autoimmune hypophysitis has stood out as the most relevant type of hypophysitis. However, with the advent of immunotherapy for the treatment of malignancies and identification of hypophysitis as an immune-related adverse event, hypophysitis has garnered increasing interest and recognition. Therefore, awareness, early recognition, and appropriate management are becoming important as the indication for immunomodulatory therapies broaden.

METHODS

In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of hypophysitis with a focus on recent data and highlight subtypes of particular interest while recognizing the gaps in knowledge that remain.

RESULTS

Regardless of cause, symptoms and signs of hypophysitis may be related to mass effect (headache and visual disturbance) and hormonal disruption that warrant prompt evaluation. In the vast majority of cases, a diagnosis of hypophysitis can be made presumptively in the appropriate clinical context with radiologic findings consistent with hypophysitis and after the exclusion of other causes.

CONCLUSION

Although subtle differences currently exist in management and outcome expectations between primary and secondary causes of hypophysitis, universally, treatment is aimed at symptom management and hormonal replacement therapy.