Pain spectrum in immune checkpoint inhibitor-related adverse events: evolution, characteristics and management challenges based on bibliometrics.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer treatment, driving increased research into immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including pain. ICI-induced pain differs from traditional cancer pain or pain caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy in its mechanisms, manifestations, and management. It often necessitates ICI dose reduction, potentially compromising efficacy, and requires careful balancing of immunosuppression and analgesia. Although glucocorticoids are first line for inflammatory pain, their long-term or high-dose use can attenuate ICI effectiveness, increase infection risk, and lead to pain recurrence after withdrawal-making "steroid-sparing strategies" a central clinical challenge. However, bibliometric studies in this area remain scarce. This

SUBMITTER: Li Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12935806 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature