First, we will review studies that have assessed efficacy with toxicities globally (as opposed to site-specific toxicities). Both prospective and retrospective analyses in NSCLC patients have demonstrated an association between IRAE onset and efficacy of anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies. Focusing first on the retrospective studies, in an observational study of 270 largely pretreated patients with metastatic NSCLC, treated with at least one dose of anti-PD-L1 or anti-PD-1 antibodies, outcomes were compared between patients who did and did not experience IRAEs [18]. Most patients (89.3%) received anti-PD-1 while the remainder (10.7%) received anti-PD-L1 antibodies. Of the included patients, 44% experienced any grade IRAEs with the most common sites of involvement being endocrine (20%), dermatologic (7%) and gastrointestinal toxicities (7%). Patients who experienced IRAEs had superior PFS and OS compared to those who did not experience IRAEs (OS: not reached (NR) versus (vs) 8.21 months (hazard ratio (HR) 0.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18–0.46; p = .001); PFS: 5.2 vs 1.97 months (HR 0.42; 95% CI 0.32–0.57; p < .001)). ORR (22.9% vs 5.7%, p < .0001) and disease control rate (DCR) (76% vs 58%, p < .001) were also prolonged in patients who experienced IRAEs compared to those who did not experience them. Among patients who were on ICIs for > 3 months and > 6 months, there were no differences in rates of IRAEs. There were no statistically significant differences in OS, PFS, ORR and DCR in patients based on IRAE grade. When looking at outcomes in patients separated by IRAE type, patients who experienced thyroiditis had statistically significant improvements in OS and PFS compared to patients who did not experience the endocrinopathy (OS: NR vs 18.2 months (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.25–0.86; p = .01); PFS: 8.05 vs 2.59 months (HR 0.58; 95% CI .39–.85; p = .005)). There were no significant differences when looking at outcomes in patients by timing of IRAE onset (< 3 months vs ≥ 3 months).

In another large retrospective analysis, outcomes in 195 NSCLC patients from multiple institutions treated with nivolumab who did and did not experience IRAES were assessed [34]. Of the included patients, 43.6% developed IRAEs with the most commonly involved sites being endocrine, gastrointestinal and dermatologic (unspecified percentages). Patient who experienced IRAEs had statistically significant improvements in ORR (43.5% vs 10%, p < .001), PFS (5.7 vs 2.0 months (HR 0.41; 95% CI 0.3–0.57; p < .001)) and OS (17.8 vs 4.0 months (HR 0.33; 95% CI 0.23–0.47; p < .001)) compared to their counterparts who did not experience IRAEs. A 12-week landmark analysis confirmed the same statistically significant differences between patients who did and did not develop IRAEs.

A prospective observational study assessing outcomes by IRAE presence in 38 NSCLC patients treated with nivolumab was reported [19]. Of the included patients, 28.9% experienced an IRAE with a median time to IRAE onset of 50 days. Patients with IRAEs had significantly improved RR (63.6% vs 7.4%, p < .01) and PFS (not reached vs 49 days (HR 0.1; 95% CI .02–.37; p < .001)) compared to those who did not experience IRAEs. An exploratory analysis comparing PFS in patients with pneumonitis vs those with other IRAEs was performed with no significant differences found between the two groups.

Although only several studies in patients with NSCLC have been highlighted, other studies have demonstrated similar correlation between IRAE onset and ICI efficacy [35, 36].

In metastatic melanoma patients, the association between IRAE onset and anti-PD-1 antibody efficacy is not as linear as the relationship seen in other disease types. Though several retrospective analyses suggest improved outcomes in patients based on IRAE presence, not all measured outcomes are uniformly improved in patients with IRAEs. A retrospective analysis of 173 patients with metastatic melanoma treated with anti-PD-1 antibody therapy from a single-center assessed outcomes in patients based upon a variety of factors including IRAE presence [37]. Of patients in the analysis, 59% experienced IRAEs with the most common sites being dermatologic (13%), hepatic (11%) and endocrine (8%). IRAE onset was not significantly associated with ORR in patients (HR 1.95; 95% CI 0.91–4.15; p = .082) while was significantly associated with DCR (HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.07–3.67; p = .029). It is possible IRAE onset was not significantly associated with ORR given the limitations of ORR as a measure of ICI response in patients [38]. On multivariate analysis, the only factor that was independently associated with PFS was IRAE onset (HR 0.47; 95% CI 0.26–0.86; p = .016). With regards to OS, on multivariable analysis, IRAE presence remained significantly associated with the outcome (HR 0.39; 95% CI 0.18–0.81; p = .007). Among patients who experienced IRAEs, patients who experienced vitiligo had an improved OS compared to those with all other IRAEs however this was not statistically significant (p = .061).

A retrospective analysis analyzed outcomes of 576 melanoma patients pooled from several studies treated with nivolumab [39]. Of the patients, 49% experienced IRAEs with the most common IRAE sites being dermatologic (34%), gastrointestinal (13.4%) and endocrine (7.8%). In a multivariate analysis which adjusted for doses of nivolumab received, tumor PD-L1 level and baseline lactate dehydrogenase levels, ORR was significantly better in patients who experienced any-grade IRAEs than those who did not experience them (48.6% vs 17.8%, p < .001). No differences in PFS were noted between patients who did and did not experience IRAEs based on a landmark PFS analysis. It is possible no differences in PFS were observed in patients based upon IRAE presence in the landmark analysis because the patients who progressed prior to 12 weeks were excluded. Although this information is not provided in the original manuscript, it is possible many early progressors did not experience IRAEs.

A two-center retrospective experience explored outcomes in metastatic RCC patients on first- or second-line treatment with ICIs based upon IRAE presence [17]. Of 90 patients treated with ICIs, 42.2% experienced IRAEs. The most common IRAEs were dermatologic (15.6%), gastrointestinal (14%) and endocrine (11%). In a multivariate analysis of IRAEs and a prognostic risk score (Heng), IRAEs were associated with improved OS (HR 0.38; 95% CI 0.18–0.79; p = .01) and time to next treatment (HR 0.48; 95% CI 0.28–0.83; p = .008).

A retrospective analysis of 389 pre-treated metastatic RCC patients who received therapy with nivolumab, was performed from an Italian RCC Early Access Program database [40]. One of the secondary endpoints of the study was assessing the association between IRAE onset and patient outcomes. In the included patients, 20% experienced any IRAEs with the most common sites being dermatologic (8%), gastrointestinal (5%) and endocrine (4%). Patients who experienced IRAEs had prolonged OS compared to those who did not experience them (NR vs 16.8 months, p = .002). In terms of 1-year OS, 1-year OS was 75.4 and 59.8% in patients who did and did not experience IRAEs, respectively.

A pooled analysis of 7 trials, including 1747 cisplatin-ineligible and cisplatin-refractory patients, was recently published [20]. All patients included in the analysis were treated with atezolizumab or pembrolizumab. The primary outcome of the analysis was to assess the relationship between patient outcome and development of IRAEs or adverse events of special interest (AESI). AESI were defined separately from IRAEs as autoimmune toxicities which did not require corticosteroid management. Using logistic regression, the odds ratio (OR) of experiencing an AESI was 5.38 in responders compared to non-responders; the OR of experiencing an IRAE was 3.77. Results from a responder analysis of the relationship between AESI or IRAE development and OS, when adjusted for baseline covariates, found an improvement in OS among patients who developed an AESI (HR 0.45; 95% CI 0.39–.53) or IRAE (HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.43–0.66). Responding patients who did or did not receive systemic corticosteroids seemed to have similar response duration (HR 1.09; 95% CI 0.7–1.69).

A single-center retrospective analysis in metastatic UCC patients also assessed outcomes in patients based on IRAE presence [41]. Of 52 included platinum-pretreated or -ineligible patients treated with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies, IRAEs were observed in 57.7% of patients. The most frequent grade 3/4 IRAE sites in these patients were gastrointestinal (13.2%) and dermatologic (6.6%). DCR (79% vs 36.3%, p = .002) and OS (21.91 vs 6.47 months, p = .004) were higher in patients with IRAEs compared to those without them.

A retrospective analysis explored the relationship between IRAE onset and anti-PD-1 antibody efficacy in 61 gastrointestinal cancer patients (45.9% HCC, 44.2% MSI-H colorectal cancer and 9.8% GA & GEJ) with FDA-approved indications to receive ICIs [42]. Of included patients, 39.3% experienced IRAEs with the most common sites being musculoskeletal (29.4%), dermatologic (26.5%) and endocrine (20.6%). Patients who experienced IRAEs had a prolonged PFS and OS compared to those who did not (PFS: 32.4 vs 4.8 months, p = .0001; OS: 32.4 vs 8.5 months, p = .0036). Pre-specified subgroup analyses explored PFS and OS among patients who experienced IRAEs by IRAE severity (grade 3/4 vs grade 1/2), management (steroidal vs non-steroidal) and timing of onset (< 6 weeks vs ≥ 6 weeks). No statistically significant differences in PFS and OS were found in patients who experienced IRAEs based upon IRAE severity, management and timing of onset.

Another retrospective analysis specifically explored the relationship between IRAE onset and outcomes in gastric cancer patients treated with nivolumab [43]. Of 65 patients, 21.5% developed IRAEs with the most common site of involvement being gastrointestinal (35.7%). Patients who experienced IRAEs had prolonged PFS (7.5 vs 1.4 months (HR .11, p < .001)) and OS (16.8 vs 3.2 months (HR .17, p < .001)) compared to patients who did not experience them.

In an analysis of 114 patients with metastatic HNSCC treated with anti-PD-1 antibodies, unselected for PD-L1 status, patient outcomes were compared in patients by the presence or absence of IRAEs in both univariate and multivariate analyses [44]. Of the patients, 43% experienced IRAEs with the most common sites being dermatologic (33.9%), musculoskeletal (25.4%) and endocrine (23.7%). Patients with IRAEs had improved ORR (30.6% vs 12.3%, p = .02), PFS (6.9 vs 2.1 months, p = .0004) and OS (12.5 vs 6.8 months, p = .0007) compared to those without IRAEs. On multivariate analyses, IRAE onset was independently associated with improved ORR (p = .03), PFS (p = .0009) and OS (p = .003).

Table 1 is a summary of the studies previously discussed and includes the outcomes compared between patients with and without IRAEs in each study.Tab1

Studies Comparing Outcomes in Advanced Malignancy Patients on Treatment with Anti-Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1) and Anti-Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Antibodies

Before discussing how specific IRAE characteristics (site, severity, timing, management) may influence ICI efficacy, it is important to discuss time on therapy, a potential confounding factor in the relationship between IRAEs and ICI response. The notion that patients who experience IRAEs are those who remain on ICIs for longer time periods and thus have a better prognosis than those who do not, by virtue of their disease biology, could be a source of guarantee-time bias [49]. Adjuvant studies, therefore, with their low rates of on-treatment relapses, present one setting where this bias may be substantially mitigated [50]. In an adjuvant study of 1019 resected Stage IIIA, IIIB and IIIC melanoma patients treated with pembrolizumab or placebo, patients who experienced IRAEs in the treatment arm experienced prolonged relapsed-free survival (RFS) compared to those who did not (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.39–0.95; p = .03). No association between IRAE onset and RFS was witnessed in the placebo arm. Compared to the placebo treated patients, the hazard of relapse or death was reduced in the pembrolizumab treated patients after IRAE onset (HR 0.37; 95% CI 0.24–0.57) than before IRAE onset (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.49–0.77) (p = .028).

Another study which suggests time on therapy is not the reason for the relationship between IRAE onset and ICI efficacy was a pooled retrospective analysis of melanoma patients from the randomized Checkmate 067 and Checkmate 069 trials [51]. In this analysis, 409 treatment naïve unresectable melanoma patients received induction therapy with nivolumab 1 mg/kg plus ipilimumab 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks for 4 doses prior to being transitioned to nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks thereafter. Of these patients, 176 (43%) discontinued treatment due to IRAEs (classified in the analysis as treatment related AEs). Median duration of treatment was 1.4 months and 9.4 months in patients who discontinued the ICIs due to IRAEs in the induction phase and those who did not discontinue treatment due to IRAEs, respectively. ORR was 58.3 and 50.2% in patients who did and did not discontinue ICIs during the induction phase, respectively (p = .18). No difference in PFS (HR .99; 95% CI .72–1.34; p = .97) or OS (HR .79; 95% CI .54–1.17; p = .23) was observed between patients who did and did not discontinue ICIs during the induction phase. The findings from this analysis suggest IRAE onset may be more predictive of ICI response than time on therapy, as patients who had to discontinue therapy due to IRAEs (with markedly less time on the drugs) had similar ORR, PFS and OS compared to patients who remained on therapy.

Several of the previously mentioned studies suggest dermatologic and endocrine IRAEs are associated with ICI response. In this section we will discuss other studies which lead credence to this notion. A retrospective analysis of 83 metastatic cancer patients (66 of whom had melanoma) treated with pembrolizumab explored the association between cutaneous IRAEs and treatment efficacy [52]. Of these patients, 42% experienced cutaneous IRAEs. Patients who experienced cutaneous IRAEs, at any dose of pembrolizumab, had a significantly longer PFS than those who did not (p < .001; p < .04; p < .007).

A 318-patient single-center retrospective analysis examined the relationship between dermatologic IRAEs and ICI efficacy in advanced melanoma patients [53]. Patients in the analysis were treated with anti-PD-1 antibody monotherapy or in combination with ipilimumab. Among patients who developed dermatologic IRAEs, RR (60% vs 27%, p < .001), PFS (797 vs 112 days, p < .001) and OS (1691 vs 526 days, p < .001) were all superior to these measures in patients who did not develop dermatologic IRAEs. Multivariate logistic regression, controlling for age, combination therapy, prior therapy and sex, confirmed an independent association of dermatologic IRAEs with superior RR (OR 3.58; 95% CI 2.17–5.90; p < .001). In addition, numerous studies have suggested that vitiligo, while relatively uncommon with anti-PD-1 therapy (although up to 10% in melanoma patients), is associated with extremely high response rates (70–80%) across immunotherapies.

A systematic literature review pooling 12 RCTs identified 3815 metastatic head & neck and lung cancer patients treated with ICIs (unspecified distribution of anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies) [54]. The primary aim of the analysis was to assess the prevalence of endocrine IRAEs and the association between endocrine IRAEs and patient outcomes. The most common endocrine IRAE reported was hypothyroidism and a significant correlation between endocrine IRAEs and OS was observed (p = .019).

A recent publication cited above suggests IRAE sites associated with ICI efficacy may have more to do with shared antigens between tumor and involved site rather than any intrinsic association between checkpoint inhibitor and IRAE site [30]. Further investigation is needed to clarify whether certain IRAE sites are predictive of ICI response or whether organ specific IRAEs result strictly from shared antigens between site and tumor.

IRAEs are thought to represent bystander effects from activated T-cells and as such, mechanistically, patients who experience more severe IRAEs should have increased T-cell activity and experience better outcomes compared to those who experience lower grade IRAEs [27]. Most of the previously discussed studies with anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies do not demonstrate any relationship between IRAE severity and ICI efficacy. This could be explained by the fact that patients with severe IRAEs tend to experience significant morbidity and sometimes mortality from the autoimmune reactions which muddles the difference in survival between patients with and without IRAEs [53]. Further, severe toxicity is often associated with more aggressive immunosuppression, which may also influence efficacy (see management).

The implications of timing of IRAE onset and ICI efficacy has been much less studied. Previously referenced studies in NSCLC and gastrointestinal cancer patients have not demonstrated a relationship between earlier IRAE onset and increased ICI response. A study in melanoma patients also did not demonstrate this relationship [55]. In a retrospective analysis of metastatic melanoma patients receiving combination therapy with anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, 80 patients experienced IRAEs within 21 days. Among these patients who developed rapid IRAEs, RR was 54% and median PFS was 8.74 months, which was in line with outcomes seen in patients on trial treated with the combination.

Several studies, however, suggest an association between timing of IRAE onset and ICI benefit, although this is not uniformly maintained across outcomes. A prospective study in 43 metastatic NSCLC lung cancer patients treated with nivolumab assessed PFS, ORR and DCR between patients who experienced IRAE onset at ≤2 and ≤ 6 weeks [36]. Both ORR and DCR were higher in patients who experienced IRAEs at ≤2 weeks and ≤ 6 weeks compared to those who did not experience them. This same trend held true for PFS although only reached statistical significance in the ≤2 weeks IRAE onset cohort. However, extremely late toxicities are typically only observed in patients benefiting from treatment, as described above.

A retrospective analysis analyzed aggregate data from two phase I studies of durvalumab and durvalumab plus tremelimumab across solid tumor types and assessed whether timing of IRAE onset was associated with RR and OS [56]. Patients who experienced ≥1 IRAE has statistically significant improvements in OS compared to those who did not experience IRAEs at weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 in both studies. RR was also improved in patients who experienced IRAEs compared to those who did not at weeks 12, 16, 20 and 24 in both studies.

A single-center analysis assessed whether metastatic UCC patients who developed IRAEs demonstrated clinical benefit based on timing of onset [57]. Of 199 total patients treated with anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies, in patients who developed IRAE onset < 90 days, DCR was 40.6% compared to 17.8% patients who did not develop IRAEs (p = .008). No statistically significant differences were observed for either 6-month PFS (35.3% vs 19.2%, p = .21) or 1-year OS (57.7% vs 41.8%, p = .18) between patients who developed IRAE onset < 90 days and in those who did not develop IRAEs.

Nearly all the previously referenced studies, which assessed the impact of corticosteroids for IRAE management on ICI outcomes, did not demonstrate worse outcomes in patients requiring corticosteroids. However, several studies have questioned this assumption. One small study of melanoma patients who developed hypophysitis while on treatment with ipilimumab, revealed patients who received lower dose corticosteroids had substantially better survival compared with those treated with high-dose corticosteroids [58]. Another study in NSCLC patients treated with anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies, suggested that patients receiving corticosteroids at baseline (when treatment is initiated) fare worse than those not on corticosteroids [59]. One could speculate that although toxicity is associated with superior outcomes, this association is partially blunted by high-dose corticosteroids. Large series comparing patients treated with distinct doses of corticosteroids are needed to help sort this out; such analyses are ongoing. However, corticosteroids (higher than physiologic doses) used while initiating therapy do appear to dampen therapeutic responses.