RISKS of autoimmune conditions (ACs) in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), a critical class of cancer immunotherapies, have been explored in a new epidemiological study. The retrospective analysis, conducted using data from TriNetX, emphasizes the importance of monitoring for potential autoimmune complications in patients undergoing ICI therapy.
The research examined individuals with cancers approved for ICI treatment, dividing them into two groups: those who received ICIs and those who did not. Patients on ICIs were found to be younger (average age: 68.7 vs. 71.8 years), predominantly male (54% vs. 41%), and predominantly White (68% vs. 58%) compared to non-ICI patients.
Key findings revealed that while ICI patients had lower odds of developing systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis, they were at a significantly higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Specifically, the odds ratio for RA in ICI-treated patients was 1.258, with a hazard ratio of 1.746 (P < 0.0001). Notably, no significant differences were observed in the development of vasculitis, dermatomyositis, or psoriatic arthritis between the groups. The study also explored variations in risk based on specific ICI therapies. Subgroup analysis compared cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 inhibitors (CTLA4i), program cell death protein 1 inhibitors (PD1i), program death ligand 1 inhibitors (PDL1i), and combination treatments (CTLA4 + PD1i/PDL1i). However, the findings regarding risk variations among these subgroups were not detailed in the abstract. The authors underscore the need for heightened awareness among healthcare professionals prescribing ICIs. Although these therapies are a breakthrough in oncology, the increased risk of autoimmune conditions, particularly RA, calls for vigilance in patient monitoring and early detection. Reference: Khandwala P et al. Prevalence of Autoimmune Diseases in Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: An Epidemiological Study Using A Global Network of Health Care Organizations. ACR OR. 2025;7:e11787. Anaya Malik | AMJ
