Immunotherapy-Associated Myocarditis

Czech version

Authors: M. Spisarová
Authors‘ workplace: Onkologická klinika LF UP a FN Olomouc
Published in: Klin Onkol 2020; 33(1): 20-22
Category: Review
doi: https://doi.org/10.14735/amko202020

Overview

The influence of checkpoint inhibitors on the balance between activation and inhibition of T-lymphocytes is strong. The development of checkpoint inhibitors has led to treatments for many malignancies but has also facilitated auto-immune disease. These immunotherapeutic agents could exacerbate already present autoimmune disease or could cause new complications in patients with no prior history of autoimmunity. Monoclonal antibodies targeting immune check points, namely anti-CTLA4 or anti-PD-1/PD-L1, are generally well tolerated; however, treatment with these drugs is associated with a variety of adverse events, such as cardiotoxicity, among others. The main mechanism of cardiac damage is lymphocytic myocarditis, which can consequently cause many symptoms of cardiovascular disease – from asymptomatic elevation of cardiac markers, heart failure, and arrhythmias to cardiogenic shock. Other adverse events include pericardium damage or Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy.

The author declares she has no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study.

The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers.

Keywords:

myocarditis – immunotherapy – checkpoint inhibitors – Adverse events – cardiotoxicity

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