Best Practices and Research Advances in Thoracic Oncology: A Regional Series LATAM Course 2: Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer-Pneumonitis: The Big Elephant in the Room

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Video Summary

Lucia Viola, an internal medicine pulmonology specialist from Bogota, Colombia, discusses pneumonitis, focusing on immunotherapy-related cases. Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment, with immune checkpoint inhibitors playing a key role by enabling lymphocytes to recognize and attack tumor cells. However, it can lead to side effects, including pulmonary toxicity. The reaction onset varies, with symptoms appearing from early days up to 26 weeks. Patterns like organizing pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis are common. Bronchoscopy is critical for differential diagnosis, including ruling out infections. Treatment severity is graded 1-5, ranging from mild cases with minor symptoms to severe ones requiring intensive care. Monitoring and corticosteroid administration are essential, with decisions on re-challenging therapy depending on toxicity grade. Patient education on symptom recognition and steroid side effects is crucial. Viola emphasizes the importance of pulmonary function tests and cautious follow-up care in patients undergoing such treatments.

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Lucia Viola, MD

Keywords

pneumonitis

immunotherapy

pulmonary toxicity

bronchoscopy

corticosteroids

cancer treatment