Immunotherapy Flashcards
1
Q
What is immunotherapy?
A
Artificial stimulation of the immune system to fight cancer. Target immune checkpoints (e.g. PD1)
2
Q
Why does it cause SEs?
A
Blocks immune checkpoint control. think like ‘taking the brakes off someone’s immune system’
SEs therefore mimic autoimmune/ inflammatory disease
3
Q
Give examples of SEs for:
Skin, GI, renal, endocrine, liver, eyes, resp, neuro, msk
A
Skin: rash (can mimic any kind) GI: diarrhoea Renal: glomerulonephritis Endo: thyroid, pituitary (can be fatal) Liver: hepatitis Eye: acute uveitis Resp: pneumonitis MSK: arthralgia Neuro: guillain-barre
4
Q
What test is important re: pituitary SEs
A
Cortisol
5
Q
What is the peak time for occurrence of immuno SEs
A
6-8 weeks post-treatment (but can occur <6 months after)
6
Q
How can side effects be managed?
Why?
A
High dose steroids
Immunotherapy triggers immune activation, so immunosuppression (e.g. steroids) can help reduce this
