Imagine this scenario: you're working in a busy Accident and Emergency department on a Saturday afternoon. A 45-year-old male patient, Mr. Johnson, arrives with diarrhoea and abdominal pain. His family mentions he started a new cancer treatment a few months ago, but details are scarce. The initial assessment flags nothing unusual beyond gastroenteritis.
What would you think? Could something more complex be causing his symptoms?
Upon further investigation, you discover that Mr. Johnson is receiving nivolumab and ipilimumab, two immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). He is likely experiencing an immune-related adverse event (irAE)—a potentially severe complication of immunotherapy that healthcare professionals often overlook.
Did You Think of an Immune-Related Adverse Event?
If not, you're not alone. A 2023 survey revealed significant knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals regarding ICIs and irAEs. For instance:
Only 59% of respondents could identify irAEs from a multiple-choice list.
Just 50% knew the correct steroids for managing acute irAEs.
Fewer than half correctly answered case-based questions about gastrointestinal and skin toxicities.
These results highlight an urgent need for targeted education in recognising and managing irAEs.
The Crucial Role of Awareness
Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment, offering hope where traditional therapies have failed. By keeping the immune system active, ICIs help the body attack cancer cells, leading to significant survival improvements for many patients.
However, these breakthroughs come with unique challenges. Immune-related adverse events can affect any organ system—manifesting as colitis, pneumonitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies, and more—and often mimic other conditions. Quick, accurate recognition of these events is essential for improving patient outcomes.
Recognising the Signs
For Mr. Johnson, his symptoms signified severe colitis caused by his immunotherapy, not simple gastroenteritis. Timely recognition and intervention by healthcare professionals are crucial. Misdiagnosis or delayed management of irAEs can lead to life-threatening complications, while early detection ensures better outcomes.
Why Prompt Recognition and Management Matter
Every healthcare professional, from A&E clinicians to primary care providers, plays a role in recognising and managing irAEs. Failure to do so risks severe patient harm, whereas early action can mitigate complications, save lives, and ensure that immunotherapy treatments are used safely.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap
To address this need, we’re launching a new eLearning course dedicated to immune-related adverse events. Designed with busy healthcare professionals in mind, these modules provide practical, actionable insights to help you identify, assess, and manage irAEs confidently.
What You’ll Learn
Understanding Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Learn how ICIs work and why they can cause irAEs.
Recognising irAEs: Discover key signs and symptoms across various organ systems.
Management Strategies: Master best practices for managing acute irAEs using evidence-based guidelines.
Interactive Case Studies: Engage with real-world scenarios to apply your learning in practice.
Why This Matters
By deepening your understanding of irAEs, you’ll be better equipped to deliver safe, high-quality care to cancer patients. Improved awareness and management of these events not only save lives but also support the continued success of immunotherapy in oncology.
Take the Next Step
Enhance your skills and confidence in managing immune-related adverse events. Enrol in our comprehensive eLearning course today and become a leader in delivering safe and effective care for immunotherapy patients.
Access the Course:
Use the links below to access the e-learning.
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