Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Immune-related Adverse Events: A Histopathologic Review

Adv Anat Pathol. 2022 Jul 1;29(4):183-193. doi: 10.1097/PAP.0000000000000346. Epub 2022 Apr 26.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been increasingly used to treat various malignant neoplasms. Despite their superior efficacy in treating certain ones, their global immune-activation effect leads to systemic side effects, referred to as immune-related adverse events. Immune-related adverse events affect a variety of organs, including the skin, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and endocrine organs. Gastrointestinal tract immune-related adverse events present with a wide range of symptoms with variable severity, which may lead to treatment interruption and administration of immunosuppression therapy in many cases. Histopathologic changes are diverse, overlapping with many other conditions. Therefore, recognizing these changes is crucial in diagnosing immune-related adverse events. This review discusses the pathologic manifestations of gastrointestinal immune-related adverse events and discusses the primary differential diagnoses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions* / drug therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Tract
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Immunotherapy
  • Neoplasms*

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors