Severe renal and pancreatic toxicities associated with ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy in non-small cell lung cancer: a pharmacovigilance analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system - Report - MDSpire

Severe renal and pancreatic toxicities associated with ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy in non-small cell lung cancer: a pharmacovigilance analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system

  • By

  • Jiongrui Cao

  • Li Peng

  • Jin Yang

  • Gang Yin

  • Ping Ke

  • Jifa Zhang

  • Min Su

  • Yun Gao

  • Yuehui Zhang

  • June 17, 2026

  • 0 min

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Severe renal and pancreatic adverse effects linked to ipilimumab and nivolumab

Overview

This study identifies significant renal and pancreatic toxicities associated with ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The findings highlight the need for enhanced monitoring strategies due to the distinct immunological mechanisms involved.

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like ipilimumab and nivolumab becoming standard treatments. While these therapies improve survival, they are associated with a range of immune-related adverse events, particularly renal and pancreatic toxicities, which may be underrecognized in clinical practice.

Data Highlights

Adverse EventReporting Odds Ratio (ROR)Information Component (IC)
Glomerulonephritis Minimal Lesion78.622.096
Nephrotic Syndrome37.251.914
Glomerulosclerosis61.792.015
Nephritis24.991.832
Renal Failure2.990.499
Pancreatic Toxicity61.792.015

Key Findings

  • Combination therapy (Ipi+Nivo) shows significant signals for glomerular-predominant renal injuries.
  • Median time-to-onset for renal events was 73 days and for pancreatic events was 84 days in the combination group.
  • Co-reported renal and pancreatic events were infrequent, with serious outcomes prevalent in both treatment groups.
  • Renal events included nephritis and renal failure, with notable reporting odds ratios indicating increased risk.
  • Pancreatic toxicity signals were strong, suggesting distinct immunological mechanisms at play.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should maintain heightened vigilance for renal and pancreatic toxicities in patients receiving Ipi+Nivo therapy. Tailored monitoring strategies beyond conventional acute interstitial nephritis surveillance are recommended to ensure timely recognition and management of these adverse events.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the need for increased awareness and monitoring of renal and pancreatic toxicities associated with ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy in NSCLC patients. Enhanced clinical vigilance is essential to mitigate the risks of severe adverse events.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The ASCO Post, 2017 -- Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab vs Sunitinib Alone as First-Line Therapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
  2. The ASCO Post, 2020 -- Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab in Two New Lung Cancer Indications OF NOTE KEY POINTS
  3. The ASCO Post, 2019 -- Nivolumab Combined With Ipilimumab Shows Activity in Prostate Cancer Subsets
  4. The ASCO Post, 2020 -- Multisystem Immune-Related Adverse Events and Disease Outcomes Among Patients With NSCLC Treated With Immunotherapy
  5. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Version 4.2026, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines In Oncology - PubMed
  6. Evolving epidemiology and improving safety of rechallenge in immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated acute kidney injury: an updated meta-analysis
  7. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Management of Immunotherapy-Related Toxicities, Version 2.2024 - PubMed
  8. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Version 4.2026, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines In Oncology - PubMed
  9. Evolving epidemiology and improving safety of rechallenge in immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated acute kidney injury: an updated meta-analysis
  10. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Management of Immunotherapy-Related Toxicities, Version 2.2024 - PubMed

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