Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Adverse Events

SITC Cancer Immunotherapy Guidelines are a collection of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) developed by multi-disciplinary panels of experts who draw from their own practical experience as well as evidence in the published literature and clinical trial data to develop evidence- and consensus-based recommendations. SITC uses as a model the Institute of Medicine's 2011 "Standards for Developing Trustworthy Clinical Practice Guidelines" to ensure the recommendations are unbiased, transparent and balanced and will aid oncologists in effective clinical decision-making concerning patient selection, toxicity management, response evaluation, and the sequencing or combination of therapies, among other topics.

The Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-related Adverse Events Guideline Expert Panel was formed to generate consensus recommendations pertaining to the treatment of patients with Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).  ICIs are antibodies designed to block key regulatory signals that dampen immune responses, counteracting immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment and thus enabling tumor-reactive T cells to mount a more effective anti-cancer response. While ICIs have improved patient outcomes in a number of clinical settings, the same mechanisms that underpin their effective anti-tumor properties may cause unique toxicities, specifically immune-related adverse events (irAEs). As ICIs increasingly become integrated into treatment plans for an ever-increasing number of disease settings, there is a need for clear, expert guidance on the recognition and management of irAEs. SITC assembled the expert panel to discuss and is currently generating recommendations on best practices for addressing some of the most commonly reported irAEs that arise during treatment with ICIs, including gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and dermatologic toxicities, among other key considerations for oncologists treating their patients with these agents.  A companion guideline on the management of immune effector cell-related adverse events is also in development.

SITC Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Adverse Events Expert Panel

SITC is a proponent for collaboration and harmonization of efforts between like-minded organizations whenever possible. SITC wishes to thank the American Society of Hematology (ASH), the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) and the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for providing representatives to serve on SITC’s Immune Effector Cell-related Adverse Events Expert Panel to aid in the development of this clinical practice guideline.