Immunotherapy, Cancer and Rheumatological Diseases: A Review of the Literature and a Series of Cases in a University Hospital

Abstract

The appearance in the field of oncology of therapeutic molecules in the form of monoclonal antibodies, whose objective is to stimulate the patient's own immune system to be responsible for destroying cancer cells, has revolutionized the treatment of many cancers in recent years. This type of therapy, called immunotherapy, is also characterized by presenting side effects in the form of autoimmune diseases that we are still beginning to understand. From the point of view of the immune-mediated rheumatological side effects, we can find musculoskeletal manifestations, mechanical, inflammatory or systemic autoimmune diseases. The therapeutic approach to these side effects remains uncertain due to the absence of clinical trials and validated recommendations. The multidisciplinary management is crucial to successfully treat such cases. In the following manuscript, we will describe our case reports of rheumatologic immune-related adverse events in a university hospital.

Keywords: Cancer; Cáncer; Efectos adversos inmunorrelacionados; Immune-related adverse events; Immunotherapy; Inmunoterapia; Reumatología; Rheumatology.