Immune-Related Side Effects
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
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors & irAEs
Overview of immune checkpoint inhibitors and their associated adverse effects in cancer treatment.
Learn more →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 →