The effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors on allergic symptoms by anticancer drugs

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16076
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 47060:Clinical pharmacy-related
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Hirobe Sachiko 大阪大学, 大学院薬学研究科, 講師 (70644582)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: インフュージョンリアクション / リツキシマブ / 抗体医薬 / 免疫チェックポイント阻害薬

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Regarding infusion related reactions by rituximab, we showed a particularly high incidence in follicular lymphoma. Furthermore, it was suggested that strengthening the corticosteroid drug may be useful as a preventive measure during the second administration. We also investigated a biosimilar formulation of rituximab and found that the frequency of infusion-related reactions was the same as the original formulation.
In immune checkpoint inhibitors, the frequency of early side effects was higher than reported in clinical trials, and in particular when administering durvalumab, some patients continued to experience side effects after the second administration. In addition, when used in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, although there was no change in the frequency of side effects, it was confirmed that the symptoms that appeared were different.

Free Research Field

医療薬学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

抗体医薬による特徴的な急性期毒性であるインフュージョンリアクションは、抗体分子によっては発現頻度が高く、死亡に至った例も報告されている。抗体医薬に含まれる免疫チェックポイント阻害薬による治療は多くのがん種へと展開され、投与例数は増加している。初回投与に発現が多いインフュージョンリアクションは、その副作用を被る患者はもちろんのこと、副作用発現に備えなければならない医療従事者の負担も大きなものとなっている。本研究成果は、インフュージョンリアクション・早期発現副作用の実態を明らかにし、今後の副作用予防に向けた検証に重要な基礎情報となる。