Shedding Light on the Side Effects of Immunotherapies Used for Leukemia: An Updated Review of the Literature Publisher Pubmed



Kazemzadeh K^{1, 2} ; Behrouzieh S^{3, 4} ; Rezaei N^{2, 5, 6}
Source: Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy Published:2023

Abstract

Introduction: Leukemia is an abnormal clonal development of leukemic cells originating from the bone marrow, which is widely known for its significant prevalence and mortality rate. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and combination therapies have been its routine therapeutic methods; however, the advent of cancer immunotherapy is known as revolutionary for its higher efficacy and lesser toxicity. Areas covered: Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system by using components from other living organisms. Although immunotherapy seems to be safer than chemotherapy, many studies have noticed different immune-related side effects in various body systems (e.g. cardiovascular, neurologic) which we have reviewed in this investigation as the main goal. We tried to describe immunotherapy-related side effects in human body systems in detail. Expert opinion: Being aware of these side effects leads to better clinical decision-making for each individual, and a one-step-ahead management in case of occurrence. We also briefly discussed the role of immunotherapy in treating leukemia as one of the most prevalent cancers in children and tried to emphasize that it is crucial to monitor adverse events as they may remain obscure until adolescence. © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.