A Review of Immune-Mediated Adverse Events in Melanoma

Abstract

The use of checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy has transformed the treatment landscape for melanoma as well as many other cancer types. With the ability to potentiate tumor-specific immune responses, these agents can result in durable tumor control. However, this activation of the immune system can lead to a unique constellation of side effects, distinct from other cancer therapies, collectively termed immune-mediated adverse events (irAEs). This review will focus on irAEs and guidelines for management related to the most clinically relevant checkpoint inhibitors, those that target programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4).