How Can We Manage The Cardiac Toxicity Of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors?

Introduction: Cancer immunotherapies with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against immune checkpoints (i.e. CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1) have revolutionized antineoplastic treatments. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) approved for cancer immunotherapy are mAbs anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab), anti-PD-1 (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and cemiplimab), and anti-PD-L1 (atezolizumab, avelumab, and durvalumab). Treatment with ICIs can be associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including an increased risk of developing myocarditis. These findings are compatible with the observation that, CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 pathways play a central role in the modulation of autoimmunity.Areas covered: In this paper, we start from examining the pathogenesis of cardiovascular adverse events from ICIs, and then we focus on risk factors and strategies to prevent and manage this cardiotoxicity.Expert opinion: There is a growing need for a multidisciplinary approach of ICI-associated cardiotoxicity, involving oncologists, cardiologists, and immunologists. Prevention and effective management of ICIs cardiotoxicity starts with an in-depth screening and surveillance strategies of high-risk patients, in order to improve early detection and appropriate management in a personalized approach.