Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAEs) Program
Our field is experiencing an exciting revolution in the treatment of cancer. By harnessing and enhancing the body’s immune system using novel therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, we can reduce the amount of tumor burden in patients and, in a subset of patients and cancers, achieve long-lasting remission.
However, these therapies are often limited by the unchecked activation of the immune system which can result in immune-related adverse events (irAEs). This toxicity can affect nearly every organ system, ranging from a minor rash to severe dermatological, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, or cardiac complications. As more patients are treated with immunotherapy, there is a corresponding increase in the number of patients experiencing toxicity which highlights the urgent need to understand how and why immuno-toxicities occur and develop rigorous pathways for how to best manage them.
The Columbia Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAEs) Institutional Board, which is made up of expert cross-specialty physicians, is dedicated to researching and providing clinical service for IrAEs from checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy for solid organ cancers, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma and many others.
IrAE Research Highlights
irAE Patient Care Highlights
Request a Second Opinion
Requesting an online second opinion can offer reassurance about a challenging diagnosis or help plan the most appropriate course of treatment. The Columbia Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAEs) Institutional Board has a world-class team of specialists, comprising oncologists focusing on immunotherapy complications, alongside experts in neurology, gastrointestinal health, cardiology, hematology, rheumatology, nephrology, dermatology, pulmonary, renal, and ophthalmology. These experts are available to offer remote second opinions to patients and health care providers, eliminating the necessity for travel to New York City.
To be directed to the appropriate sub-specialist, please contact rheumatology@cumc.columbia.edu.