lactoferrin and Enterocolitis

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a novel class of cancer treatment that have improved outcomes for a subset of cancer patients. They work by antagonising inhibitory immune pathways, thereby augmenting immune-mediated antitumour responses. However, immune activation is not cancer-specific and often results in the activation of immune cells in non-cancer tissues, resulting in off-target immune-mediated injury and organ dysfunction. Diarrhoea and gastrointestinal tract inflammation are common and sometimes serious side-effects of this type of therapy. Prompt recognition of gastrointestinal toxicity and, in many cases, rapid institution of anti-inflammatory or biologic therapy (or both) is required to reverse these complications. Management of organ-specific complications benefits from multidisciplinary input, including engagement with gastroenterologists for optimal management of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced enterocolitis. In this British Society of Gastroenterology endorsed guidance document, we have developed a consensus framework for the investigation and management of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced enterocolitis.

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Consensus; Endoscopy; Endoscopy, Digestive System; Enterocolitis; Gastroenterology; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Infliximab; Lactoferrin; Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex; Neoplasms; Patient Care Management; Societies, Medical; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; United Kingdom