• J Pharm Pract · Jun 2020

    The Role of Pharmacists in Managing Adverse Events Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy.

    • Patrick Medina, Kate D Jeffers, Van A Trinh, and R Donald Harvey.
    • Department of Internal Medicine-Hematology/Oncology, OU College of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
    • J Pharm Pract. 2020 Jun 1; 33 (3): 338-349.

    ObjectiveTo provide an overview of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy-associated immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and their management, focusing on the key responsibilities for pharmacists in recognizing, distinguishing, and treating irAEs and in educating patients about irAEs and their management.Data SourcesLiterature published from January 2000 to March 2018 available from online sources.Study Selection And Data ExtractionRelevant English-language studies, guidelines, and articles.Data SynthesisICI therapies have been approved for the treatment of several cancers as single-agent therapies, combined ICI therapies, or in combination with other agents. ICI therapies increase the activity of the immune system and consequently can have autoimmune-like adverse effects that are often termed irAEs. irAE management can be challenging as irAEs can vary in their frequency and severity among patients, according to the specific agent, and can occur at any time during treatment or after therapy discontinuation. Additionally, for patients treated with ICI therapies in combination with other therapies, ICI-associated irAEs must be distinguished from adverse events associated with chemotherapy or targeted therapies, which often require different management. Pharmacists can provide essential support to diagnose and manage irAEs.Relevance To Patient Care And Clinical PracticeEarly and accurate diagnosis and prompt management of irAEs by pharmacists are critical to reduce the risk of severe or life-threatening complications and prevent premature ICI discontinuation.ConclusionsPharmacists have a key role in the recognition, monitoring, and management of irAEs and in educating patients about irAEs associated with ICI therapies and the agents used to manage them.

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