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Resolution of immune checkpoint inhibitors-induced inflammatory arthritis while maintaining active treatment with checkpoint inhibitors and after its discontinuation: An observational study

Introduction
Immune checkpoint inhibitors-induced inflammatory arthritis (ICI-IA) affects about 5% of ICI recipients. We aimed (1) to characterize the resolution of ICI-IA during ICI treatment and after ICI discontinuation and (2) to assess how ICI-IA influences ICI management across time.

Methods
All ICI-treated patients referred to rheumatology at Bordeaux University Hospital were identified and patients with ICI-IA with a follow-up of ≥ 6 months after ICI-IA onset were included. Resolution of ICI-IA was defined by discontinuation of ICI-IA medications without recurrence of ICI-IA symptoms.

Results
Resolution of ICI-IA occurred in 13 of 80 patients (16%) while maintaining active ICI treatment, mainly in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)-like clinical presentation (P = 0.03). Synovitis was more frequent in those whose ICI-IA persisted throughout ICI treatment. In patients with persistent ICI-IA throughout ICI treatment, 34 (50%) and 47 (70%) resolved at 6- and 12-months post-ICI discontinuation, respectively. Reason for terminating ICI was more frequently cancer stable or in remission in those who still had active ICI-IA at 6- and 12-months post-ICI discontinuation. Both progression-free survival and overall survival were longer in the groups with active ICI-IA at 6- and 12-months after ICI discontinuation.

Discussion
In this cohort, ICI was safely continued in most patients experiencing ICI-IA. About one sixth of ICI-IA resolved despite maintaining active ICI treatment and allowing ICI-IA treatment discontinuation without recurrence of symptoms, mainly in those with PMR-like presentation. Larger studies are needed to determine predicting factors of resolving ICI-IA to minimize exposure to immunosuppressive treatment.

Introduction
Immune checkpoint inhibitors-induced inflammatory arthritis (ICI-IA) affects about 5% of ICI recipients. We aimed (1) to characterize the resolution of ICI-IA during ICI treatment and after ICI discontinuation and (2) to assess how ICI-IA influences ICI management across time.

Methods
All ICI-treated patients referred to rheumatology at Bordeaux University Hospital were identified and patients with ICI-IA with a follow-up of ≥ 6 months after ICI-IA onset were included. Resolution of ICI-IA was defined by discontinuation of ICI-IA medications without recurrence of ICI-IA symptoms.

Results
Resolution of ICI-IA occurred in 13 of 80 patients (16%) while maintaining active ICI treatment, mainly in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)-like clinical presentation (P = 0.03). Synovitis was more frequent in those whose ICI-IA persisted throughout ICI treatment. In patients with persistent ICI-IA throughout ICI treatment, 34 (50%) and 47 (70%) resolved at 6- and 12-months post-ICI discontinuation, respectively. Reason for terminating ICI was more frequently cancer stable or in remission in those who still had active ICI-IA at 6- and 12-months post-ICI discontinuation. Both progression-free survival and overall survival were longer in the groups with active ICI-IA at 6- and 12-months after ICI discontinuation.

Discussion
In this cohort, ICI was safely continued in most patients experiencing ICI-IA. About one sixth of ICI-IA resolved despite maintaining active ICI treatment and allowing ICI-IA treatment discontinuation without recurrence of symptoms, mainly in those with PMR-like presentation. Larger studies are needed to determine predicting factors of resolving ICI-IA to minimize exposure to immunosuppressive treatment.

 

Ladouceur A, Barnetche T, Prey S, Dutriaux C, Gerard É, Pham-Ledard A, Beylot-Barry M, Zysman M, Veillon R, Domblides C, Daste A, Gross-Goupil M, Sionneau B, Lefort F, Mathieu L, Richez C, Truchetet ME, Schaeverbeke T, Kostine M.
Joint Bone Spine. 2025 Jan;92(1):105795. doi: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2024.105795. Epub 2024 Oct 22.
PMID: 39447690