Endocrine adverse events in patients with malignant neoplasms receiving treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies directed against the molecules blocking immune response, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte- associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD1) and its ligand, which enhance anti-tumor immunity. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated high efficacy in cancer treatment, including the most common types of cancer and helped to increase recurrence- free and overall survival of cancer patients. At the same time, the use of checkpoint inhibitors is associated with a high risk of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) — autoimmune conditions that occur in multiple organs and tissues, including endocrinopathies. Endocrine irAEs can affect the thyroid, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and pancreas. These events are unique when compared with other irAEs because the manifestations are often irreversible. The awareness of clinicians of potential irAEs, including endocrinopathies caused by agents from the group of immune checkpoint inhibitors will improve their timely identification and treatment. Thus, it will promote the safe use of highly effective anti-tumor therapy. KEYWORDS: checkpoint inhibitors, CTLA-4, PD1, PDL1, immune-related adverse events, hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, thyroiditis, hypophysitis, adrenal insufficiency. FOR CITATION: Zherebchikova K.Yu., Sych Yu.P., Amosova M.V. et al. Endocrine adverse events in patients with malignant neoplasms receiving treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2022;6(9):528–533 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821- 2022-6-9-528-533.