Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Liver Injury

Semin Liver Dis. 2023 Nov;43(4):402-417. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1776761. Epub 2023 Dec 15.

Abstract

In recent years cancer treatment has been revolutionized by the development and wide application of checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) drugs, which are a form of immunotherapy. CPI treatment is associated with immune-related adverse events, off-target tissue destructive inflammatory complications, which may affect a range of organs, with liver inflammation (hepatitis) being one of the more commonly noted events. This is a novel form of drug-induced liver injury and a rapidly evolving field, as our understanding of both the basic immunopathology of CPI hepatitis (CPI-H) and optimal clinical management, races to catch up with the increasing application of this form of immunotherapy in clinical practice. In this review, we summarize current evidence and understanding of CPI-H, from fundamental immunology to practical patient management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury* / etiology
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury, Chronic* / etiology
  • Hepatitis*
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Immunotherapy / adverse effects

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors