The oncologist
-
This SafeHer subgroup analysis assessed the safety of fixed-dose subcutaneous trastuzumab (H SC) as an adjuvant therapy in HER2-positive early breast cancer (EBC) by body weight. ⋯ The safety profile of fixed-dose subcutaneous trastuzumab (H SC) was comparable between patients in the lowest bodyweight subgroup and the overall patient population, and also between patients of Asian origin (of whom a higher proportion often fall within the lower bodyweight quartiles) and the overall population. The safety data from this SafeHer subgroup analysis therefore support the use of fixed-dose H SC 600 mg administered every 3 weeks as an adjuvant therapy for patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer across different bodyweight subgroups and in the Asian patient population.
-
With the advent of immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy (anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-1), immune-related adverse events such as thyroid function test abnormalities (TFTAs) are common, with a reported incidence range of 2%-15% depending upon the ICI used. The aim of this study is to describe the incidence of TFTAs retrospectively in patients who received ICI therapy. ⋯ Increased use of immune-checkpoint inhibitors in cancer treatment has highlighted the importance of monitoring for and treating immune-related adverse events. This study was conducted to assess the incidence of thyroid function test abnormalities retrospectively in patients with cancer on immune-checkpoint inhibitors, which is not known exactly. This study is unique in that it included patients with a variety of histologic subtypes of cancer and also followed the clinical course of patients with baseline thyroid function test abnormalities. This study can help make oncologists aware that the incidence of thyroid function test abnormalities is higher than anticipated. Early identification and timely treatment can help ameliorate symptoms for patients and improve their overall quality of life.
-
Immunotherapy has emerged as a highly effective treatment for numerous cancers. Use of checkpoint inhibitors against various molecules including programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 have become widespread in clinical practice. Compared with conventional chemotherapy, immunotherapy is associated with a unique set of immune reactions known collectively as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). ⋯ Although often mild, dermatologic toxicity can occasionally be high grade and potentially life-threatening. In this article, we report a case of PD-1 inhibitor-induced bullous pemphigoid-a serious adverse event that has been increasingly observed with use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. We will also review diagnosis and management of low-grade cutaneous irAEs and bullous disease with checkpoint inhibitors.