Frequent immunomediated gastrointestinal damage in the treatment of cancer

Bulgarian Medical Journal, 16, 2022, № 1, 25-29.

R. Tsonev

Abstract. Immunotherapy, which has been used for several years to treat cancer – with the so-called checkpoint inhibitors – has led to a better therapeutic response, which remains after stopping treatment. This therapy also has fewer side effects. Immunotherapy targets immune homeostasis and targets T-cell mediated immunity by blocking tumor proteins while maintaining healthy cells. T cells have checkpoint proteins on their surface that turn the immune response on and off. However, checkpoint inhibitors trigger immune-related side effects (irAEs) most commonly affecting the gastrointestinal tract (intestines, pancreas and liver), skin, lungs and endocrine system.

Key words: checkpoint inhibitors, immune checkpoint, immunotherapy, immune-mediated hepatitis, immune-mediated colitis, immune-mediated pancreatitis, drug toxicity

Address for correspondence: Radin Tsonev, MD, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Acibadem City Clinic, Tokuda University Hospital, 51b N. Vaptsarov Blvd, Bg ‒ 1407 Sofia, е-mail: radintzonev@abv.bg