Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Rechallenge After Prior Immune Toxicity

Abstract

Opinion statementImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become an essential part of treatment for many cancer types. These monoclonal antibodies remove a critical negative regulatory signal that allows the immune system to recognize and destroy malignant cells that were previously undetectable. Unfortunately, their use has ushered in a whole new form of drug toxicity whereby the immune system attacks normal tissues in the body, referred to hereafter as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). irAEs are common and can result in treatment discontinuation, hospitalization, and death. When alternative modes of treatment are limited, or considered less efficacious, there may be a desire to resume treatment with ICIs after an irAE. Rechallenge with ICIs carries with it a heightened risk of subsequent toxicity, but with careful consideration and appropriate patient selection, this can be considered a reasonable approach.