Immune checkpoint inhibitors: a narrative review of considerations for the anaesthesiologist.

Abstract

Immunotherapy has revolutionised the treatment of oncologic malignancies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors represent a new class of immunotherapy drugs. Although these drugs show promise, they are associated with immune-related adverse reactions. An increasing number of patients who undergo surgery will have had treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this narrative review article, we discuss their mechanism of action, therapeutic effects, pertinent toxicities, and address specific perioperative considerations for patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

• Authors: Alexandra L Lewis, Jamie Chaft, Monica Girotra, Gregory W Fischer
• Journal: British journal of anaesthesia (Br J Anaesth) Vol. 124 Issue 3 Pg. 251-260 (Mar 2020) ISSN: 1471-6771 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 32007241 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2019 British Journal of Anaesthesia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
• CTLA-4 Antigen
• CTLA4 protein, human

Topics

• Anesthesiologists
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• CTLA-4 Antigen (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Humans
• Immunotherapy (adverse effects, methods)
• Intraoperative Complications (chemically induced, prevention & control)
• Neoplasms (drug therapy, immunology)
• Perioperative Care (methods)
• Physician's Role
• Postoperative Complications (chemically induced, prevention & control)