Heavily immunosuppressed patients undergoing anticancer immunotherapy face increased risk of severe infections
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can promote antitumor responses but can also cause adverse effects that require treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. A new retrospective study by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute investigators found that patients who received ICIs and multiple immunosuppressive therapies were at higher risk of serious infections. Nearly half of the infections were…
A new study suggests that patients undergoing anticancer immunotherapy and already heavily immunosuppressed face a higher risk of severe infections. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can help fight tumors but often require additional immunosuppressive drugs, which in turn elevate the risk of infection. A retrospective study conducted by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute researchers found that nearly half of the infections were severe, life-threatening, or fatal.
The findings, published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, indicate that patients aged 65 or older, as well as those suffering from cardiac immune-related adverse events, are more susceptible to non-opportunistic infections. The study emphasizes the need for improved screening, monitoring, and preventive measures to mitigate these risks.
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