Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for pediatric cancers: A mini review of endocrine adverse events

In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has attracted a great deal of attention in the field of cancer treatment. In the clinical setting, antibodies targeting programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) have been successfully used to treat adult patients with various types of intractable cancer. However, in a substantial number of patients, ICI therapy is associated with autoimmune toxicities known as immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). Endocrinopathies, such as hypophysitis or autoimmune thyroid disease, may occur and can present unique clinical features that have not been documented with traditional chemotherapies. A Japanese clinical trial evaluating the anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory malignant solid tumors and Hodgkin lymphoma has been ongoing since 2017. Moreover, tumors associated with Lynch syndrome, a hereditary form of mismatch repair deficiency, are being focused and represent the next target for ICI therapy in Japan. For the safe management of pediatric cancer patients treated with ICIs, pediatric endocrinologists must be aware of the risk of autoimmune endocrinopathies and perform relevant screening tests at appropriate stages of growth and development.