Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody that works against tumor necrosis factor that has been used to treat autoimmune diseases. Consideration of infliximab administration has been suggested for patients with immunotherapy-related pneumonitis that is unresponsive to systemic steroids.
Dadu, R., Zobniw, C., & Diab, A. (2016). Managing adverse events with immune checkpoint agents. Cancer Journal, 22, 121–129.
RESOURCE TYPE: Expert opinion
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Expert opinion
Literature review of common checkpoint inhibitors adverse events. No quality review provided.
Further education needs to be available on the toxicity profile related to immune checkpoint inhibitors, and obtaining a detailed personal and family history of autoimmune diseases, other comorbidies, concurrent medications, PE, and medications of patients is important prior to starting therapy.
Eigentler, T.K., Hassel, J.C., Berking, C., Aberle, J., Bachmann, O., Grunwald, V., . . . Gutzmer, R. (2016). Diagnosis, monitoring and management of immune-related adverse drug reactions of anti-PD-1 antibody therapy. Cancer Treatment Reviews, 45, 7–18.
RESOURCE TYPE: Expert opinion
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Review article
Literature review of common anti-PD-1 checkpoint pathway inhibitors/antibody therapy adverse events. No evidence of quality review provided.
Research is needed on the management of anti-PD-1 checkpoint pathway inhibitors/antibody therapy toxicities.
Fay, A.P., Moreira, R.B., Nunes Filho, P.R., Albuquerque, C., & Barrios, C.H. (2016). The management of immune-related adverse events associated with immune checkpoint blockade. Expert Review of Quality of Life in Cancer Care, 1, 89–97.
RESOURCE TYPE: Expert opinion
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Review article
Literature review of common checkpoint inhibitor adverse and serious adverse events. No evidence quality review was provided.
Research is needed on the management of checkpoint inhibitor therapy toxicities.
Naidoo, J., Page, D.B., Li, B.T., Connell, L.C., Schindler, K., Lacouture, M.E., . . . Wolchok, J.D. (2016). Toxicities of the anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint antibodies. Annals of Oncology, 27, 1362.
RESOURCE TYPE: Expert opinion
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Expert opinion level information
Nurses need to be aware of potential immune-related adverse events and current recommendations for management. Although some differences in opinion exist, overall management involves the use of systemic steroids for moderate symptoms, aggressive use of IV steroids for more severe symptoms, and consideration of immunosuppression for persistent or worsening severe symptoms.