At the 2026 MASCC International Congress, held in Melbourne from June 25 to 27, Dr. Mélanie Janson, a medical oncology resident at the Baclesse Center, presented an abstract on hematologic toxicities associated with immunotherapies.
The MASCC (Multinational Associationof Supportive Carein Cancer) is an international scholarly society dedicated to supportive care in oncology. Every year, it brings together healthcare professionals and researchers from around the world at its annual conference to share the latest advances in this field.
Toxicity that is sometimes underestimated
Immune checkpoint inhibitors, also known as immunotherapies, stimulate the immune system so that it can better recognize and fight cancer cells. In some cases, however, this activation can cause the immune system to attack healthy cells.
Together with teams from the Caen University Hospital and the Baclesse Center, Dr. Janson conducted a literature review to better understand these complicationsand identify the most appropriate treatment approaches.
However, diagnosing these conditions can be complex, particularly in patients who have also received chemotherapy. Abnormalities in blood cells can have several causes, and it can be difficult to determine whether they are related to chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
A Key Message for Healthcare Professionals
These complications do not necessarily occur during treatment. Some may appear several months after the last immunotherapy dose, or—in rare cases—as late as nearly two years later.
When blood cell counts are low, several possible causes should be considered. This should not automatically be attributed to past or concurrent chemotherapy; a cause related to immunotherapy should also be investigated.
Corticosteroids are generally the first-line treatment and lead to improvement in the majority of patients. Recommendations for second-line treatments remain limited. This literature review therefore offers guidance to help healthcare professionals manage affected patients.
A scientific study that helps improve the recognition and management of these complications, which are still not sufficiently documented.
References
Mélanie Jansonet al.MASCC®2026 – Abstract #3745: Hematologic immune-related adverse events associated with checkpoint inhibitors
