Immune-Related Adverse Events From Immunotherapy: Incorporating Care Step Pathways to Improve Management Across Tumor Types

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy provides a valuable treatment option for many cancer patients but is associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that can involve any organ system. Managing irAEs can be a challenge, as these AEs differ from those associated with conventional chemotherapy in both appearance and care. Prompt and successful irAE management is important for patient health and the maintenance of effective therapy. A group of advanced practice providers has developed Care Step Pathways (CSPs) to improve the management of irAEs (see Appendix and aimwithimmunotherapy.org). These CSPs, which combine established guidelines with practical experience, provide information on assessing, grading, and managing irAEs. Proactive strategies, implementation tactics, patient education points, and “red flags” are also featured. This article provides a brief summary of ICI therapies currently used in oncology and an overview of irAEs that may occur during treatment. The importance of medication reconciliation and a thorough baseline assessment is stressed, and detailed information on baseline clinical and laboratory tests is provided. Specific CSPs for several irAEs, such as gastrointestinal toxicity, adrenal insufficiency, nephritis, and neuropathy, are reviewed in detail. As these CSPs illustrate, advanced practice providers are well positioned to play a key role in collaborative care for oncology patients, particularly with respect to providing in-depth patient education and “owning” AE management.