Multiple Immunosuppressive Therapies Increase Infection Risks for Cancer Patients

Multiple immunosuppressive therapies increase infection risks for cancer patients

Retrospective analysis of more than 20,000 patient records identifies opportunities for risk-mitigating approaches in certain patient populations.

Heavily immunosuppressed patients undergoing anticancer immunotherapy face increased risk of severe infections

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can promote antitumor responses but can also cause adverse effects that require treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. A new retrospective study by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute investigators found that patients who received ICIs and multiple immunosuppressive therapies were at higher risk of serious infections. Nearly half of the infections were severe, life-threatening or fatal. The results are publ…