The Spectrum of Serious Infections Among Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Blockade for the Treatment of Melanoma

Clin Infect Dis. 2016 Dec 1;63(11):1490-1493. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciw539. Epub 2016 Aug 7.

Abstract

The risk of infection among patients receiving immune checkpoint blockade is unknown. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 740 patients with melanoma who received immune checkpoint blockers. Serious infection occurred in 54 patients (7.3%). The main risk factors were receipt of corticosteroids and/or infliximab.

Keywords: checkpoint blockade; immunotherapy; infection; melanoma.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects*
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Cell Cycle Checkpoints
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / administration & dosage
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Immunotherapy / adverse effects
  • Infections / epidemiology*
  • Infections / etiology
  • Infections / microbiology
  • Infections / virology
  • Infliximab / adverse effects*
  • Infliximab / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Medical Records
  • Melanoma / complications*
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Melanoma / microbiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Infliximab