Semin Liver Dis 2018; 38(04): 366-378
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1667358
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Liver Toxicity with Cancer Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

Brian A. Nadeau
1   Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Leslie A. Fecher
2   Department of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Scott R. Owens
3   Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Nataliya Razumilava
1   Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
› Author Affiliations

Funding This work was supported by AASLD Pinnacle award (N.R.). B.A.N., S.R.O., N.R. have nothing to disclose; L.A.F.: clinical trial funding from Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp, Bristol Myers Squibb, Incyte.
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
24 October 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibition targeted against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) has shown clinically significant survival benefit when used to treat multiple types of advanced cancer. These drugs have gained approval by the US Food and Drug Administration and their indications continue to increase. Checkpoint inhibitor therapy is associated with a unique side-effect profile characterized as immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which can result in significant morbidity and rarely mortality. Hepatotoxicity from checkpoint inhibitors is a less common irAE and often mild, while its incidence and severity vary based on the class and dose of checkpoint inhibitor, monotherapy versus combination therapy, and the type of cancer. Histological assessment of suspected irAEs is nonspecific and can show a variety of features. Hepatic irAEs can require discontinuation of checkpoint inhibitor therapy and treatment with immunosuppressive agents.