Dr. Emens on Immune-Related Adverse Events in Ovarian Cancer

Leisha A. Emens, MD, PhD, professor of medicine in Hematology/Oncology, co-leader of the Hillman Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, and director of Translational Immunotherapy for the Women’s Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, discusses the incidence and treatment of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in ovarian cancer.

Slight differences in the toxicity profiles may exist among immune checkpoint inhibitors across tumor types. However, largely, irAEs have a similar presentation because the agents treat the immune system rather than the tumor itself, explains Emens.

Patients on immune checkpoint inhibitors can develop serious irAEs such as pneumonitis or colitis. As such, patients should be monitored closely for symptoms that are consistent with irAEs, so that steroids can be given as soon as possible, concludes Emens.