Oral Lesions Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy: An Emerging Entity Oral Healthcare Professionals Should Comprehend

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a new group of drugs that have been recently used as part of antineoplastic therapy targeting the immune system to activate the anti-tumor effect. However, as a result of this immune activity adverse events usually occur that can affect different body parts known as immune related adverse events (irAEs). In the oral and maxillofacial area, irAEs mimic many immune-mediated conditions, including oral lichen planus, mucous membrane pemphigoid, and Sjögren syndrome, among others. The aim of this review is to summarize the irAEs in oral and maxillofacial areas and to enlighten oral healthcare professionals on how to recognize these events and to be a part of the care team for patients treated with ICIs.