Checkpoint inhibitors: What gastroenterologists need to know

World J Gastroenterol. 2018 Dec 28;24(48):5433-5438. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i48.5433.

Abstract

Checkpoint inhibitors are increasingly being used in clinical practice. They can cause various gastrointestinal, hepatic and pancreatic side effects. As these side effects can be serious, appropriate management is essential. The different checkpoint inhibitors with their mechanisms of action and indications, as well as evaluation and management of gastrointestinal, hepatic and pancreatic side effects, are discussed in this article.

Keywords: Checkpoint inhibitors; Gastrointestinal management; Hepatic and pancreatic side effects; Immunotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / adverse effects*
  • Costimulatory and Inhibitory T-Cell Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Digestive System Diseases / immunology*
  • Digestive System Diseases / therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / drug effects
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / immunology
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Pancreas / drug effects
  • Pancreas / immunology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Costimulatory and Inhibitory T-Cell Receptors