Immune-related adverse events in the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Sci Rep. 2022 Feb 2;12(1):1753. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-05861-0.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) show efficacy in the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). However, these agents are associated with a unique group of side effects called immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We conducted an observational retrospective/prospective study on patients with relapsed/refractory NHL treated with ICI to determine the incidence of irAEs assessing the type, severity, and timing of onset, outcome and relationship with study drugs of these events. Thirty-two patients underwent ICI as single agent (N = 20) or in combination (N = 12). Ten patients (31.3%) developed at least one irAE for a total of 17 irAEs. Median time to presentation of irAEs was 69 days (range 0-407) with a median resolution time of 16 days (range 0-98). Progression free survival at 24 months for patients who developed an irAE was 40% and 31.8% for who did not. Overall survival for the two groups did not differ (at 24 months 40.0% and 62.5% for patients without and with irAE, respectively), but the median for who developed an irAE was not reached. The incidence of irAEs was associated with better long-term survival in NHL treated with ICIs but patients' disease conditions need to be carefully evaluated to decide the optimal management.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Immune System Diseases / etiology
  • Immunotherapy / adverse effects
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin* / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin* / immunology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Progression-Free Survival
  • Prospective Studies
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors