Immune-related hepatotoxicity, also called ILICI, is an immune-mediated liver injury associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy. It is a clinically significant adverse event in oncology, often managed with steroid therapy and, when steroid-unresponsive, second line treatments. In a multicenter Turkish Oncology Group study, severe hepatic dysfunction was common: grade 3–4 hepatic insufficiency occurred in 24 of 56 patients (42.9%), and 5 patients (8.9%) died due to hepatic insufficiency. Liver biopsy findings in 5 deceased patients were consistent with ILICI, supporting the diagnosis of immune-mediated injury. Overall, the entity reflects a serious toxicity of checkpoint blockade that can progress to liver failure despite treatment.
Hepatotoxicity / Immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicity
- A multicenter Turkish Oncology Group study described immune-related hepatotoxicity as immune-mediated liver injury linked to immune checkpoint inhibitors. (PMID:41972337)
- Severe disease was frequent, with grade 3–4 hepatic insufficiency in 24/56 patients (42.9%). (PMID:41972337)
- Mortality was substantial: 5 patients (8.9%) died from hepatic insufficiency. (PMID:41972337)
- Liver biopsies from 5 deceased patients were consistent with ILICI, supporting histologic confirmation of the diagnosis. (PMID:41972337)
- Management included steroid therapy and second line treatments for steroid-unresponsive cases. (PMID:41972337)