Late-onset toxicities of monoclonal antibodies in cancer patients

Abstract

Cancer therapy duration is variable and may take years, adding a new challenge of maintaining the best life quality for cancer survivors. In cancer patients, late-onset toxicities have been reported with monoclonal antibodies and may involve several body organs or systems. They are defined as an autoimmune illnesses that can happen months to years after treatment discontinuation. Late-onset toxicities have become a focus of clinical care and related research. After cancer therapy is completed, the patient should receive longitudinal follow-up to detect these late effects as early as possible. The current review summarizes the recently reported late-onset toxicities of four classes of monoclonal antibodies (anti-CD52, anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-1 and anti-CD20) with guidance for the diagnostic tools, appropriate management and treatment.