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Immunotherapy‐Induced Colitis: An Emerging Problem for the Hospitalist
Author(s) -
MarinAcevedo Julian A.,
Harris Dana M.,
Burton M. Caroline
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of hospital medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.128
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1553-5606
pISSN - 1553-5592
DOI - 10.12788/jhm.2925
Subject(s) - medicine , adverse effect , diarrhea , colitis , ipilimumab , intensive care medicine , perforation , metastatic melanoma , immune system , vemurafenib , immunotherapy , immunology , cancer , punching , materials science , metallurgy
Since their introduction for melanoma treatment, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has rapidly expanded. Though their impact on survival is irrefutable, these medications have been associated with autoimmune‐like adverse events related to their ability to induce the immune system. One of the most commonly affected organ systems is the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, in which manifestations range from mild diarrhea to severe colitis with intestinal perforation. Because of the increased use of ICIs, hospitalists are caring for an increasing number of patients experiencing their adverse events. We present a case‐oriented review of the GI adverse events associated with the use of ICIs to familiarize the hospitalist with their mechanism of action and potential complications and to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to decrease morbidity and mortality.