Sarcoid-like Reactions to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can cause immune-mediated cutaneous adverse events, including sarcoid-like reactions. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze clinical and histologic data from patients who developed cutaneous sarcoid-like reactions between 2019 and 2022 while under treatment with ICIs. We studied 7 patients (6 women and 1 man) with a median age of 65years. Median time to onset of symptoms was 4months. The most common presentation was papular sarcoidosis of the knees followed by subcutaneous sarcoidosis. Diagnosis was confirmed histologically in all cases, and no differences were observed relative to idiopathic sarcoidosis. Discontinuation of ICI therapy was required in just two patients. ICI-induced sarcoid-like reactions tend to be mild and generally do not require treatment discontinuation. Histologic confirmation is essential for distinguishing these reactions from tumor progression.

Immune-mediated hepatitis: Basic concepts and treatment

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized advanced cancer management. Nevertheless, the generalized use of these medications has led to an increase in the incidence of adverse immune-mediated events and the liver is one of the most frequently affected organs. Liver involvement associated with the administration of immunotherapy is known as immune-mediated hepatitis (IMH), whose incidence and clinical characteristics have been described by different authors. It often presents as mild elevations of amino transferase levels, seen in routine blood tests, that spontaneously return to normal, but it can also manifest as severe transaminitis, possibly leading to the permanent discontinuation of treatment. The aim of the following review was to describe the most up-to-date concepts regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis, risk factors, and progression of IMH, as well as its incidence in different types of common cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment recommendations according to the most current guidelines are also provided.

[Translated article] Sarcoid-like Reactions to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can cause immune-mediated cutaneous adverse events, including sarcoid-like reactions. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze clinical and histologic data from patients who developed cutaneous sarcoid-like reactions between 2019 and 2022 while under treatment with ICIs. We studied 7 patients (6 women and 1 man) with a median age of 65years. Median time to onset of symptoms was 4months. The most common presentation was papular sarcoidosis of the knees followed by subcutaneous sarcoidosis. Diagnosis was confirmed histologically in all cases, and no differences were observed relative to idiopathic sarcoidosis. Discontinuation of ICI therapy was required in just two patients. ICI-induced sarcoid-like reactions tend to be mild and generally do not require treatment discontinuation. Histologic confirmation is essential for distinguishing these reactions from tumor progression.

Thyroid disorders associated with immune control point inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPI) have improved progression-free survival in several solid tumors. Side effects are related to overstimulation of the immune system. Thyroid dysfunction (TD) is the most common endocrine immune-related adverse event of ICPI.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical presentation and the course of TD in cancer patients treated with ICPI referred to an endocrinology outpatient clinic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a descriptive, retrospective and multicenter study of patients with TD associated with ICPI in six Spanish hospitals.

RESULTS

120 patients (50.8% women), mean age 60 ± 12 years were included. The initial TD was hypothyroidism in 49% of patients and hyperthyroidism in 51%, with an average of 76 (41-140) and 43 (26-82) days respectively between the onset of ICPI and the analytical alteration. Significantly, the earlier the first analytical determination was, the greater the prevalence of hyperthyroidism. A turnover was observed in 80% of subjects during follow-up, mostly from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism. Twenty-one percent received double ICPI therapy. The most frequent form of presentation in monotherapy was hypothyroidism (57%), and in double therapy it was hyperthyroidism (77%) (p = 0.002). Patients under double therapy showed thyroid alterations earlier than those in the monotherapy group (p = 0.001). After a follow-up of 205 (112-360) days, half of the patients continued under levothyroxine treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism present in a similar proportion in cancer patients undergoing ICPI therapy. Our results suggest that transitory hyperthyroidism may not be detected in a relevant number of cases. In addition, TD in double therapy presents earlier. This should be taken into account in the follow-up protocols of these patients.