A hematology and an oncology physician at Optimum Oncology Hematology Associates in Pembroke Pines, Florida, Dr. Matthew Taub has won numerous awards for his work treating and managing various disorders in multiple states. Active in his professional community, Dr. Matthew Taub maintains membership with such organizations as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Since 1964, ASCO has promoted the prevention and cure of cancer through the education of professionals and cancer research. Recently, the organization released information about a new study on people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). According to this report, unexpected medical problems caused by the immunotherapy checkpoint inhibitors nivolumab, atezolizumab, and pembrolizumab may all be underreported in the initial trials of these therapies.
To complete this analysis, researchers looked at close to 2,800 people diagnosed with NSCLC who received immunotherapy checkpoint inhibitors between 2015 and 2017. These individuals reported adverse events caused by these inhibitors to their insurance companies. This information was available to researchers through OptumLabs Data Warehouse, an insurance database founded in 2012 by the Mayo Clinic.
According to the results, the most common adverse outcome to immunotherapy was hypothyroidism. This issue appeared in just over 9 percent of patients. Meanwhile, acute kidney injury and anemia affected over 8 percent of patients, combined. Some patients also reported cardiac and gastrointestinal events, though these issues were relatively rare.
The researchers believe that being aware of these side effects and when they occur will grant physicians a greater chance to intervene and prevent such issues. In the meantime, being aware of the issues that immunotherapy can cause ensures that patients and physicians alike are better informed about treatment options.
