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Would you give checkpoint inhibitor therapy to a cancer patient with known dermatomyositis given the association of checkpoint inhibitor associated myocarditis, myasthenia gravis, and myositis?

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Would you give checkpoint inhibitor therapy to a cancer patient with known dermatomyositis?

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6 Answers
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Rheumatology · University of Washington
Answered on

I think the dermatomyositis could be more paraneoplastic that would actually benefit from controlling the cancer with ICI. I would give the treatment but I would carefully follow-up the patient for any irAEs. I will also document the rheumatological assessment, CPK, and myositis panel before startin...

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Rheumatology · Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Answered on

It is always a balance of risks and benefits. If the checkpoint inhibitor has a good likelihood of extending the patient's life, I would proceed with careful serial monitoring. Situations like these call for a discussion between the oncologist, patient, and rheumatologist.

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Medical Oncology · Tennessee Oncology - Nashville
Answered on

Agree with all the excellent answers already stated. As an oncologist, I would add that it depends on the underlying malignancy and treatment goals in the setting of the status of their dermatomyositis. I ask myself - what is the status of their dermatomyositis (or any autoimmune disorder), how many...

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Rheumatology · Stanford University
Answered on

I agree with all that has been said - this is an important risk/benefit discussion. In addition, I would also screen for interstitial lung disease (consider PFTs to follow the patient, and Chest CT - fortunately many of these patients get CT chest evaluations for their cancer anyways). Agree with fo...

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Medical Oncology · Kaiser Permanente Medcl Center
Answered on

Would use with caution.

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Medical Oncology · William E. Kahlert Regional Cancer Center
Answered on

I have used it cautiously without issues.

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