Frequently Asked Questions

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of cancer immunotherapy that helps your immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. They work by blocking proteins that normally prevent immune cells from attacking cancer. Common checkpoint inhibitors include pembrolizumab (Keytruda), nivolumab (Opdivo), and ipilimumab (Yervoy).

Immune-related adverse events are side effects that occur when checkpoint inhibitors cause your immune system to attack healthy tissues in addition to cancer cells. These can affect various parts of the body including joints, muscles, skin, lungs, and other organs. Rheumatic irAEs specifically affect the joints and muscles.

Joint and muscle symptoms occur in about 5-10% of patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, many cases are mild and can be managed while continuing cancer treatment. Severe rheumatic irAEs requiring treatment changes are less common.

You will need a referral from your oncologist, family doctor, or rheumatologist. Use our Find a Clinic page to locate a CanRIO specialist near you, then ask your healthcare provider to send a referral. Patients cannot contact CanRIO clinics directly without a referral.

Not necessarily. Many rheumatic side effects can be managed while continuing immunotherapy. The decision to continue, pause, or stop cancer treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and is made by your oncology team in consultation with rheumatology specialists.

Treatment depends on the type and severity of symptoms. Options include anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), corticosteroids (like prednisone), and disease-modifying drugs. Your rheumatologist will work with your oncology team to find the best approach for your situation.

Some patients experience resolution of symptoms after completing immunotherapy, while others may have persistent symptoms requiring ongoing treatment. Our research at CanRIO is helping to better understand the long-term outcomes of rheumatic irAEs.

For general inquiries about the organization, you can email us at info@canrio.ca. For clinical questions or to see a specialist, please speak with your healthcare provider about a referral to a CanRIO clinic.