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The following is a summary of “Management, biomarkers and prognosis in people developing endocrinopathies associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors,” published in the January 2025 issue of Endocrinology by Iwama et al.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to examine the clinical characteristics and management strategies of endocrine immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), with a focus on identifying potential biomarkers for predicting development.
They reviewed recent research and guidelines from academic societies, examining the types, clinical features, and management strategies of endocrine irAEs. The study highlighted the use of hormone-replacement therapies and explored biomarkers like anti-pituitary antibodies and thyroid autoantibodies for predicting pituitary and thyroid irAEs.
The results showed that anti-pituitary antibodies and thyroid autoantibodies were potential biomarkers for predicting pituitary and thyroid irAEs. When managed with hormone-replacement therapies, pituitary and thyroid irAEs might improve cancer outcomes. However, pituitary irAEs and type 1 diabetes mellitus can be life-threatening if untreated, leading to conditions like adrenal crisis or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Investigators concluded the endocrine irAEs could be effectively managed with early identification and appropriate treatments and that biomarkers like anti-pituitary and thyroid autoantibodies may aid in predicting and managing these events in people undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Source: nature.com/articles/s41574-024-01077-6
