Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-induced Inflammatory Arthritis: Current Approaches to Management

Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2024 May;50(2):269-279. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2024.02.002. Epub 2024 Mar 8.

Abstract

The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has changed the landscape of the treatment of cancer. Several immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have now been described such as ICI-inflammatory arthritis (IA), sicca syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica, myositis, and vasculitis as a consequence of immune activation. The onset of the ICI-IA can vary from after the first infusion of ICIs to a delayed presentation a year or more after ICI initiation. Ultimately, baseline patient and tumor characteristics, the types of immunotherapies used, pre-existing autoimmune diseases, and/or other irAEs, as well as patient preferences will all shape the discussions around ICI-IA management.

Keywords: Biologics; Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs; Immune checkpoint inhibitors; Inflammatory arthritis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis* / chemically induced
  • Arthritis* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / adverse effects
  • Immunotherapy / adverse effects
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / immunology

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors