ISSN-online 2360-2473 / ISSN-print 1223-0472

Cardiotoxicity and Other Adverse Effects of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Authors

Suresh MALAVIKA, Panelil Gopalakrishnan MEGHNA, Parvathy NAMBIDIYATTIL, Santhosh SANJU, Pushpa Raghavan ROSHINI, Krishna Haridas NIKHIL, Ahamed HISHAM

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) usage has increased in recent years, along with it the associated adverse effects.

Objective: To conduct an observational study on immune checkpoint usage and adverse drug reactions associated with its use in a tertiary care center from coastal south India.

Methodology: 228 patients were enrolled in this ambispective study, patient’s data was collected from the year 2020‑2024. Patients were selected based on inclusion criteria.

Results: While adverse effects such as pruritus, tachycardia, and thyroiditis occurred infrequently, their clinical significance necessitates careful monitoring. A statistically significant association (p = 0.022) between treatment response and adverse events indicated a potential relationship between therapeutic effectiveness and toxicity. The instance of myocarditis was found to be 0.4%.

Conclusion: These findings emphasize the significance of accurate monitoring, management, which includes various fields, and individualized therapies to maximize the outcomes for patients and reduce potential risks associated with Immune Checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).