Guru P. Sonpavde, MD, presented “Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Managing Immune-related Side Effects” at the 6th International Bladder Cancer Update on November 19, 2022, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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How to cite: Sonpavde, Guru P. “Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Managing Immune-related Side Effects.” November 2022. Accessed Jan 2026. https://grandroundsinurology.com/immune-checkpoint-inhibitors-managing-immune-related-side-effects/
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Managing Immune-related Side Effects – Summary
Dr. Guru P. Sonpavde discusses the mechanisms behind immune checkpoint inhibitors and their role in activating the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. He notes that while these therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment, they also come with the challenge of immune-related side effects. Dr. Sonpavde emphasizes the importance of early detection and management of these adverse effects to ensure patient safety and improve treatment outcomes.
He covers a range of immune-related side effects, including dermatologic, gastrointestinal, hepatic, endocrine, and pulmonary toxicities. Dr. Sonpavde provides detailed insights into the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of these side effects, drawing from the latest research and clinical guidelines. He stresses the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing these toxicities, involving oncologists, dermatologists, endocrinologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care for patients.
Dr. Sonpavde highlights strategies for preventing and mitigating immune-related side effects. He discusses the use of corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents to manage severe toxicities and the role of patient education in recognizing early symptoms. He also addresses the need for personalized treatment plans that consider the patient’s overall health, comorbidities, and specific risk factors.
About the 6th International Bladder Cancer Update:
The International Bladder Cancer Update (IBCU) is a CME conference focused on the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. The conference offers medical professionals an opportunity to listen to updates from, and interact with, expert international faculty to improve knowledge and determine best treatment practices to improve patient outcomes. IBCU encompasses expert lectures, interactive discussions, a panel roundtable, debates, and case presentations. It is physician-led, multi-supported, and designed for urologists, urologic oncologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of bladder cancer.
For further educational activities from this conference, visit our collection page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Guru P. Sonpavde, MD, is the Director of Genitourinary Oncology, Director of Phase I Clinical Trials, Assistant Director of the Clinical Research Unit, and the Christopher K. Glanz Chair for Bladder Cancer Research at the AdventHealth Cancer Institute in Orlando, Florida. Additionally, he holds a position of Professor of Medicine at both the University of Central Florida in Orlando and Loma Linda University Health in California. His focus is on drug development, including the evaluation of immunotherapy, targeted therapy, antibody-drug conjugates, and translational research to cure genitourinary cancers. He serves on the steering committees of several pivotal phase III trials evaluating treatments for bladder cancer. Under his leadership, the Phase I and GU Oncology program has grown robustly at the AdventHealth Cancer Institute.
