Hepatotoxicity induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are an effective immunotherapeutic approach for cancers affecting the lung, skin, kidney, mammary gland, or certain hematologic malignancies. Regarding the prognosis of these oncological conditions, treatments with ICIs open new therapeutic perspectives with benefits for both patients and healthcare providers. A drawback of immune checkpoint inhibition is the occurrence of immune-related adverse events that can involve a wide range of organs, such as the liver. Given widespread usage of immunotherapy, the number of patients who suffer from this unwanted condition has increased. Hepatopathy induced by ICIs can be severe and can even lead to death. Detecting liver toxicity in ICIs regiments requires a close monitorization of patients during and after the treatment. Such hepatopathies often involve discontinuation of immune checkpoint inhibitors and administration of corticosteroids. In conclusion, hepatopathies induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors require a comprehensive understanding for effective management, both to protect the patient's life during therapy and to ensure longer survival after cessation of treatment.

Keywords

• immune checkpoint inhibitors
• liver toxicity
• immunotherapy
• immune-related adverse events