Pulmonary Adverse Events in Cancer Immunotherapy: Case Studies of CT Patterns

Abstract

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have profoundly changed cancer treatment, improving the prognosis of many oncologic patients. However, despite the good efficacy of these drugs, their mechanism of action, which involves the activation of the immune system, can lead to immune-related adverse events, which may affect almost all organs. Pulmonary adverse events are relatively common, and potentially life-threatening complications may occur. The diagnosis is challenging due to the wide and non-specific spectrum of clinical and radiological manifestations. The role of the radiologist is to recognize and diagnose pulmonary immune-related adverse events, possibly even in the early stages, to estimate their extent and guide patients’ management.

Keywords

• immune-related adverse events
• immune-checkpoint inhibitors
• lung toxicity
• organizing pneumonia
• non-specific interstitial pneumonia
• hypersensitivity pneumonitis