Rheumatologists should be central figures in this evolving field.<\/p>\n
INTRODUCTION<\/strong> <\/p>\n WHAT DID THE AUTHORS HOPE TO COMMUNICATE?<\/strong> WHAT ARE THE MAIN POINTS OF THE ARTICLE?<\/strong> WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?<\/strong> If you get an autoimmune side effect as a result of your cancer treatment, there are effective drugs that can be used. Your care team will let you know which side effects or symptoms to look out for. If you do develop an immune-related adverse event then you may have to see a rheumatologist as well as your oncology team. Disclaimer: This is a summary of a scientific article written by a medical professional (\u201cthe Original Article\u201d). Date prepared: February 2018 Copyright \u00a9<\/strong> 2017 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & European League Against Rheumatism. Medical professionals may print copies for their and their patients and students non commercial use. Other individuals may print a single copy for their personal, non commercial use. For other uses please contact our Rights and Licensing Team<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Rheumatologists should be central figures in this evolving field. INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of immunotherapy used to treat cancer. There are six drugs in this group, and they are used in more than 10 cancer types. This type of treatment for cancer is now very common and there are hundreds of thousands […]<\/p>\n
\nImmune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of immunotherapy used to treat cancer. There are six drugs in this group, and they are used in more than 10 cancer types. This type of treatment for cancer is now very common and there are hundreds of thousands of people being treated around the world. Although the treatments are very positive for many people, there is a risk of developing an autoimmune or inflammatory disease as a side effect of the way the drugs interact with the immune system. These autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid-like arthritis, severe diabetes, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease or psoriasis. These are called
\nimmune-related adverse events (sometimes shortened to irAEs).
\nSince the number of people receiving these type of cancer treatment is growing rapidly, it is important that all rheumatologists learn more about this immune related Adverse Events. Rheumatologists are doctors with special expertise in autoimmune diseases and the drugs used to treat them. Rheumatologists are now actively working with oncologists (cancer doctors) to battle these immune-related complications in people with cancer.<\/p>\n
\nThe authors wanted to share their viewpoint on the role of the rheumatologist in managing immune-related adverse events of cancer drugs.<\/p>\n
\nThe authors believe that rheumatologists are well positioned to help manage people with immune-related adverse events, particularly where people needing cancer treatment have a pre-existing autoimmune disease, or are more at risk of developing one. Rheumatologists are the most experienced of all specialists in diagnosing and managing multi-system autoimmune diseases and can work with the cancer team early on to monitor and
\nmanage complications.<\/p>\n
\nIf you are taking an immune checkpoint inhibitor to treat your cancer, the most important thing is that you must not stop taking it. Treating the cancer is the main goal.<\/p>\n
\nIf you have concerns about your disease or its treatment, you should speak to the doctor involved in your care.<\/p>\n
\nThe Summary is written to assist non medically trained readers to understand general points of the Original Article. It is supplied \u201cas is\u201d without any warranty. You should note that the Original Article (and Summary) may not be fully relevant nor accurate as medical science is constantly changing and errors can occur. It is therefore very important that readers not rely on the content in the Summary and consult their medical professionals for all aspects of their health care and only rely on the Summary if directed to do so by their medical professional.Please view our full Website Terms and Conditions<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nSummary based on research article published on: 12 January 2018
\nFrom: Calabrese, L. and Mariette, X. The evolving role of the rheumatologist in the management of immune related adverse events (irAEs) caused by cancer immunotherapy. Ann Rheum Dis 2018;77:162\u2013164. doi:annrheumdis-2017-212061<\/p>\n