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Monitoring Dual ICI

How are ICI side effects treated?

• Immune-related side effects from dual ICI are always treated based on the individual patient. Report all side effects to
your cancer care team.

• DO NOT manage side effects at home without speaking with your cancer care team.

• The earlier an immune-related side effect is recognized, the better it can be managed.

• Serious immune-related side effects (e.g. symptoms that affect daily activities) are usually treated with steroids to
suppress the immune system.

• Steroids act as “water on the fire” and slow down the “activated” immune system.

• More serious side effects may require a long duration of treatment with steroids or other medications to decrease
the immune response. (4-8 weeks)

• In some cases, the ICI treatment may need to be held while the side effect is being managed.

• Minor symptoms (e.g. symptoms that are noticeable but do not affect daily activities) may be managed more easily with
advice from your cancer care team.

Adapted from: Horizons Health Network

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