Side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. What intensive care specialists need to know

Immunotherapies, and in particular checkpoint inhibitors, have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. However, due to their mechanism of action, the activation of the body's own T cells, side effects are frequently associated with these therapies. So-called immune-related adverse events (irAEs) manifest as autoimmunological phenomena, can occur in any organ system, and even lead to severe organ failure. Due to the time latency of up to months after administration of a checkpoint inhibitor until the first manifestation of an irAE, it is essential to consider a therapy-specific adverse event at any time during therapy. In case of incipient organ failure, discontinuation of the checkpoint inhibitor and rapid initiation of high-dose corticosteroid therapy is essential, which, in the absence of response, should be extended by further immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory therapies. In general, the response to corticosteroids and extended therapy options is good, and in this sense organ failure is often reversible. Nevertheless, intensive medical care with the possible need for organ-supporting therapies should only be provided strictly according to the patient's wishes and in close consultation with the hematologist/oncologist in charge. Because of the great therapeutic benefit of immunotherapies, their frequent use, and potential to be used in curative lines of therapy in the future, intensive care physicians will also be confronted more frequently with irAEs after checkpoint inhibition. Accordingly, understanding, recognizing, and treating side effects after immunotherapies is increasingly essential for intensivists.