Clinical Report: Diabetes Mellitus Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have improved survival outcomes in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but they can cause immune-related adverse events, including ICI-DM. This rare condition can lead to severe complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and requires careful management.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the article.

Key Findings

• ICI-DM is characterized by rapid destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells.
• Patients with lung cancer account for approximately 20-30% of reported ICI-DM cases.
• The incidence of ICI-DM ranges from 0.2% to 1.4% among patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
• Recovery of endocrine function after ICI-DM is exceptionally rare.
• Guidelines for managing ICI-DM are available but may lack comprehensive detail.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should monitor for signs of ICI-DM in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Conclusion

This case highlights the complexities of managing ICI-DM in clinical practice.

Related Resources & Content

1. Cortellini et al., ESMO Congress, 2021 -- Can Diabetes Affect the Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With Advanced Cancer?
2. Ruiz-Esteves et al., JAMA Oncology -- Risk of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor–Induced Diabetes
3. Frontiers in Endocrinology -- Type 1 diabetes mellitus induced by sintilimab: a case report and related case literature analysis
4. The ASCO Post — Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Blocker May Be Linked to Metabolic Imbalance
5. Summary of Revisions: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026
6. Risk and Incidence of Endocrine Immune-Related Adverse Effects Under Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy
7. Pembrolizumab Plus Pemetrexed and Platinum in Nonsquamous Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: 5-Year Outcomes From the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-189 Study | Journal of Clinical Oncology