Clinicopathological Features of Kidney Injury Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: Despite increasing recognition of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and kidney immune-related adverse events (IRAEs), no large-sample studies have assessed the pathological characteristics and outcomes of biopsy-proven kidney IRAEs. (2) Methods: We comprehensively searched PubMed,...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ling-Yi Xu, Hai-Ya Zhao, Xiao-Juan Yu, Jin-Wei Wang, Xi-Zi Zheng, Lei Jiang, Su-Xia Wang, Gang Liu, Li Yang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-02-01
Series:Journal of Clinical Medicine
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/4/1349
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Summary:(1) Background: Despite increasing recognition of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and kidney immune-related adverse events (IRAEs), no large-sample studies have assessed the pathological characteristics and outcomes of biopsy-proven kidney IRAEs. (2) Methods: We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane for case reports, case series, and cohort studies for patients with biopsy-proven kidney IRAEs. All data were used to describe pathological characteristics and outcomes, and individual-level data from case reports and case series were pooled to analyze risk factors associated with different pathologies and prognoses. (3) Results: In total, 384 patients from 127 studies were enrolled. Most patients were treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (76%), and 95% presented with acute kidney disease (AKD). Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis/acute interstitial nephritis (ATIN/AIN) was the most common pathologic type (72%). Most patients (89%) received steroid therapy, and 14% (42/292) required RRT. Among AKD patients, 17% (48/287) had no kidney recovery. Analyses of pooled individual-level data from 221 patients revealed that male sex, older age, and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) exposure were associated with ICI-associated ATIN/AIN. Patients with glomerular injury had an increased risk of tumor progression (OR 2.975; 95% CI, 1.176, 7.527; <i>p</i> = 0.021), and ATIN/AIN posed a decreased risk of death (OR 0.164; 95% CI, 0.057, 0.473; <i>p</i> = 0.001). (4) Conclusions: We provide the first systematic review of biopsy-proven ICI-kidney IRAEs of interest to clinicians. Oncologists and nephrologists should consider obtaining a kidney biopsy when clinically indicated.
ISSN:2077-0383