Pulmonary Toxicities of Immunotherapy

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021:1342:357-375. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-79308-1_14.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a form of immunotherapy that are increasingly being used in a wide variety of cancers. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) pose a major challenge in the treatment of cancer patients. Pneumonitis, the most common lung irAE, can cause significant disruptions in the treatment of cancer and may be life-threatening. The goal of this chapter is to instruct readers on the incidence and clinical manifestations of pneumonitis and to offer guidance in the evaluation and treatment of patients with pneumonitis.

Keywords: Checkpoint inhibitors; Diffuse alveolar damage; Hypersensitivity pneumonitis; Immune-related adverse event; Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia; Organizing pneumonia; Pneumonitis; Thoracic imaging.

MeSH terms

  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Immunotherapy / adverse effects
  • Neoplasms*
  • Pneumonia* / chemically induced
  • Pneumonia* / therapy

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors