Core IM | Internal Medicine Podcast #152 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors & IrAEs 101: 5 Pearls Segment
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May 22, 2024 Learn about how immune checkpoint inhibitors work and the different immune-related adverse events, including when they can present and what factors influence adverse effects. Discover the role of complementary medicine in this patient population. Sponsored by Panacea Financial, discussing side effects, oncology, and the importance of disability insurance.
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How Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Work
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors block CTLA-4 and PD-1, immune system "brakes" that cancer exploits to evade immunity.
- By disabling these brakes, the immune system is unleashed to attack cancer cells more effectively.
Immune Activation Causes irAEs
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors overactivate T cells, causing them to attack normal tissues, leading to widespread inflammation.
- This mechanism underlies immune-related adverse events (irAEs) affecting multiple organs.
Common Immune Checkpoint Side Effects
- Monitor for general immune-related adverse events: fatigue, nausea, and skin rash, which are the most common side effects.
- Understand these symptoms early to prevent progression to severe forms requiring intensive management.