Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies, which increase antitumor immunity of the host and facilitate T-cell-mediated actions against tumors. These medications have been used in recent years as a weapon against advanced stage malignancies, such as melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, lymphoma, small or non-small cell lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, they are not free from possible adverse effects (immune-related adverse events-irAEs) that mainly affect skin, gastrointestinal, hepatic, and endocrine systems. Early diagnosis of irAEs is essential to correctly and rapidly manage patients, with ICIs suspension and therapies administration. Deep knowledge of the imaging and clinical patterns of irAEs is the key to promptly rule out other diagnoses. Here, we performed a review of the radiological signs and differential diagnosis, based on the organ involved. The aim of this review is to provide guidance to recognize the most significant radiological findings of the main irAEs, based on incidence, severity, and the role of imaging.
Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.). 2023 May 03*** epublish ***
Carlo Augusto Mallio, Caterina Bernetti, Laura Cea, Andrea Buoso, Massimo Stiffi, Daniele Vertulli, Federico Greco, Bruno Beomonte Zobel
Department of Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy., Unità Operativa Complessa Diagnostica per Immagini Territoriale Aziendale, Cittadella della Salute Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Lecce, Piazza Filippo Bottazzi, 73100 Lecce, Italy.