Radiotherapy Not Likely to Increase Toxic Effect of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Source: Oncology Nurse Avisor, November 2021

Concomitant radiation therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy for malignant melanoma or lung cancer did not increase the risk for requiring corticosteroid therapy. These findings were published in Cancer.

Although ICIs have improved the survival of patients with cancer, they have been associated with increased risk for immune-related adverse events. To date, whether concomitant treatment with ICIs and radiotherapy increases toxic effects remains unclear.

To assess the safety profile of ICI with radiotherapy, records from a large nationwide patient claims database from the Decision Resources Group were analyzed. Patients with malignant melanoma undergoing treatment with ICIs with or without RT between 2010 and 2017 were assessed for corticosteroid therapy use.