Response criteria for immunotherapy and the radiologic patterns of immune-related adverse events

Eur J Radiol. 2022 Jan:146:110062. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.110062. Epub 2021 Nov 20.

Abstract

Immunotherapy has revolutionized clinical outcomes in both early-stage and advanced-stage malignancies. Immunotherapy has improved patient survival in both solid and hematologic disorders with the potential added benefit of less toxicity compared to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. Imaging plays a fundamental role in monitoring treatment response and assessment of immune-related adverse events, e.g. pneumonitis, colitis, etc. Familiarity with the current strategies of immune-related response evaluation and their limitations is essential for radiologists to guide clinicians with their treatment decisions. Radiologists should be aware of the wide spectrum of immune-related adverse events and their various radiological features as well as the patterns of treatment response associated with immunotherapies.

Keywords: Imaging; Immune Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (iRECIST); Immune-related Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (irRECIST); Immune-related response criteria (irRC); Immunotherapy; Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy* / adverse effects
  • Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors