Cardiotoxicity of checkpoint inhibitors: focus on immune side effects

Abstract

The indications for the use of checkpoint inhibitors in cancer diseases continue to expand in the coming years, which is a promising area for future clinical research. However, diagnosis of immune-related side effects is challenging due to its heterogeneous clinical manifestations, which range from subclinical to fulminant manifestations with high in-hospital mortality. A potential mechanism may be proliferation and clonal expansion of antigens by T-lymphocytes in tumor cells and affected self-tissues. The exact pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear and the risk profile of patients experiencing cardiotoxicity is unknown. Continued intensive efforts by the research communities and interdisciplinary collaborations in oncology and cardiology will help address these challenges and thereby allow immunotherapy to achieve its maximum potential benefit in the treatment of cancer