Disease Information
Learn about different immune-related side effects (irAEs) that can occur with cancer immunotherapy.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are powerful cancer treatments that work by helping your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. However, this activation of the immune system can sometimes cause inflammation in healthy tissues, leading to immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
Rheumatic irAEs affect the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. While these side effects can be concerning, they are usually manageable with proper treatment. Understanding these conditions can help you recognize symptoms early and communicate effectively with your healthcare team.
Conditions
Inflammatory Arthritis
Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness that can occur after starting immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Learn more →Myositis
Muscle inflammation causing weakness, typically in the shoulders and hips.
Learn more →Vasculitis
Inflammation of blood vessels that can affect various organs.
Learn more →Sarcoidosis
Formation of inflammatory cell clusters (granulomas) in various organs.
Learn more →Pre-existing Autoimmune Disease
Managing immune checkpoint inhibitors when you already have an autoimmune condition.
Learn more →Cytokine Release Syndrome
A systemic inflammatory response that can occur with certain immunotherapies.
Learn more →When to Contact Your Healthcare Team
Contact your oncologist or healthcare team if you experience any of the following:
- New joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Muscle weakness or pain
- Skin rashes or mouth sores
- Difficulty breathing or dry cough
- Eye redness or vision changes
- Worsening of pre-existing autoimmune symptoms