Rheumatic manifestations in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a breakthrough therapy for oncological patients. These drugs are considered effective in fighting cancer cells by supporting immune system. Their clinical efficancy is well documented however immune-related adverse events caused by drugs are the subject of interest of many research works. It is estimated that 15% to 90% of patients treated by immune checkpoint inhibitors experienced immune-related adverse events including 0,5-13% that require termination of the oncotherapy and provide immunosuppressive agents. The most common rheumatic manifestations of the immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy was arthralgia, myalgia, inflamatory arthritis, myositis. During the treatment, patients also present symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis or sicca syndrome.