Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Antitumor immune activity can also affect healthy cells

Tumor cells are mutated versions of normal cells—they have changed into tumor cells that now grow uncontrollably.¹ To survive and reproduce, however, tumor cells still use some of the same processes as normal cells.²

Immuno-Oncology therapies activate the immune response to overcome tumor survival and growth strategies. This can enable the immune system to attack healthy cells along with tumor cells. These effects are known as immune-mediated adverse reactions.³

Immune cells and immune-mediated adverse reactions

The link between immune activation and immune-mediated adverse reactions is an area of ongoing research. The activation of certain immune cells has been associated with autoimmunity.⁴ This connection may influence the likelihood of an immune-mediated adverse reaction.⁵

T cells: T-cell activation has been linked to immune attack on normal cells and the development of autoimmunity.⁶ This may lead to immune-mediated adverse reactions in certain organ systems.³
Natural Killer (NK) cells: The potential link between NK cells and the development of immune-mediated adverse reactions is less clear. Studies have shown that NK cells may protect against autoimmunity.^7-10

Managing complications of immune-mediated adverse reactions

Patients, caregivers, and physicians should be educated to remain vigilant throughout and after Immuno-Oncology treatment to minimize complications, some of which may be life-threatening.³ In addition, treatment algorithms are available for use by health care providers to assist them in managing immune-mediated adverse reactions.¹¹

As research in immune system activation advances and more data are made available, understanding and appropriate management of immune-mediated adverse reactions will evolve.¹²

Next Realizing the Potential of Immuno-Oncology Research

References

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