Side-effects of immunotherapy

The immune system has an important role in controlling and eradicating cancer cells.  Antibody therapy against several negative immunologic regulators (checkpoints) has demonstrated promise in a variety of malignancies. The immune checkpoint blockade with antibodies against cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and the programmed cell death protein 1 pathway (PD-1/PD-L1) and its ligand have a unique and distinct pattern of adverse events. Immune-related adverse events are most commonly observed in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver and the endocrine system. Early recognition and treatment are believed to be important in mitigating severity of such adverse effects.