Comprehensive safety analysis of the clinical spectrum of adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors based on FAERS - Report - MDSpire

Comprehensive safety analysis of the clinical spectrum of adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors based on FAERS

  • By

  • Caihong Qu

  • Xiaoying Wang

  • May 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Thorough Evaluation of Adverse Event Profiles Linked to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Utilizing FAERS Data

Overview

This study systematically analyzes adverse event profiles associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) using data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Key findings indicate significant risks of endocrine and hepatobiliary disorders, as well as high mortality associated with cardiac and respiratory toxicities.

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment but are associated with a wide range of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that can affect multiple organ systems. Understanding the clinical profiles of these toxicities is crucial for effective management and improving patient outcomes. This study addresses the gap in comprehensive evaluations of irAEs using extensive FAERS data.

Data Highlights

Adverse Event CategorySignal StrengthMortality Risk
Endocrine DisordersStrongLow
Hepatobiliary DisordersStrongLow
Cardiac ToxicitiesModerateHigh
Respiratory ToxicitiesModerateHigh

Key Findings

  • 320,556 adverse event reports associated with eight ICIs were analyzed.
  • Endocrine and hepatobiliary disorders showed the strongest adverse event signals.
  • Cardiac and respiratory toxicities were linked to the highest mortality risks.
  • Noninfectious encephalitis and hypothyroidism were among the most prominent adverse event signals.
  • Immune-mediated lung disease and myocarditis were leading signals at the Preferred Term level.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be vigilant in monitoring for irAEs, particularly endocrine and hepatobiliary disorders, as well as cardiac and respiratory complications, which carry significant risks. Early recognition and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential for managing these adverse events effectively.

Conclusion

This comprehensive analysis underscores the importance of ongoing pharmacovigilance in understanding the safety profiles of ICIs. Enhanced awareness and management strategies are crucial for optimizing patient care in oncology.

References

  1. The ASCO Post, 2022 -- Incidence of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  2. Archives of Toxicology, 2020 -- Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms Behind Mood and Cognitive Side Effects Through Pharmacovigilance Data Analysis and Functional Enrichment Techniques
  3. Drug Safety, 2022 -- Evaluation of CAR-T Cell Therapies Through Post-Marketing Surveillance: Insights from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Database
  4. The ASCO Post, 2018 -- Both Patients and Clinicians Face Challenges in Recognizing and Reporting Immune-Related Adverse Events
  5. ISPOR, 2025 -- Incidence of Treatment-Related Adverse Events From Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
  6. NCCN, 2026 -- Management of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor–Related Toxicities
  7. PubMed, 2023 -- Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related gastrointestinal adverse events: a disproportionality analysis based on the FAERS database
  8. ISPOR - Incidence of Treatment-Related Adverse Events From Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
  9. NCCN 2026 Breast Cancer Congress_Toxicities
  10. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related gastrointestinal adverse events: a disproportionality analysis based on the FAERS database - PubMed

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