Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer management and have been widely applied; however, they still have some limitations in terms of efficacy and toxicity. There are multiple treatment regimens in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that play active roles in combination with Western medicine in the field of oncology treatment. TCM with ICIs works by regulating the tumor microenvironment and modulating gut microbiota. Through multiple targets and multiple means, TCM enhances the efficacy of ICIs, reverses resistance, and effectively prevents and treats ICI-related adverse events based on basic and clinical studies. However, there have been few conclusions on this topic. This review summarizes the development of TCM in cancer treatment, the mechanisms underlying the combination of TCM and ICIs, existing studies, ongoing trials, and prospects for future development.

The past decades have witnessed a rapid increase in the use of molecularly targeted therapies. One class of agents includes the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs), which afford patients longer progression-free survival (PFS) times, especially among non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC). Certain adverse effects, particularly skin toxicity, are mainly manifested as rash, xerosis, pruritus, nails changes, hair changes and mucositis. Previous studies reported the adverse events occurred based on the cutaneous inflammation reaction. Treatment recommended glucocorticoids and antibiotics. It is suggested that skin toxicity is an important issue because it usually affects patients' quality of life (QoL) and still causes dose reduction or discontinuation of targeted therapies. For these reasons, more and more oncologists and dermatologists recognize the importance of recognition and management of skin toxicities with the expansion in availability of EGFRIs. In this review, we conducted a systematic review of recent data to examine the types and frequencies of dermatologic toxicities associated with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies in NSCLC and mCRC. In addition, we would like to explore the management and treatment options currently used by clinicians based on the possible mechanism.

Serum hepatic enzyme manifestations in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome: Retrospective analysis

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common pathological pattern of lung cancer. During the past decades, a number of targeted agents have been explored to treat advanced lung adenocarcinoma. In the present clinical practice, antagonists of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-directed therapies are widely used. In the former category, the agent erlotinib (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) has shown obvious advantages over cytotoxic therapy. Anti-VEGF therapy bevacizumab used for lung adenocarcinoma was recommended in NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) as first-line therapy. Similarly, apatinib is speculated to response by selectively inhibiting the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2. The patient with unknown EGFR status benefited 5-month progressive free survival (PFS) from erlotinib, and then another 5.1-month PFS with combined treatment of apatinib, which suggested a new option for lung adenocarcinoma. However, when dabigatran was used to cancer-related venous thromboembolism during apatinib therapy, extensive subcutaneous bleeding occurred, warning us against the risks of bleeding. Besides, hypertension and anorexia were observed, causing dosage adjustment.

Radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII) is a major factor limiting the dose in abdominal and pelvic radiotherapy. This review summarizes our current understanding of RIII, focusing on its mechanisms, biomarkers, and potential treatment targets. Radiation directly induces DNA damage in intestinal epithelial cells and contributes to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), which together lead to increased apoptosis and decreased regeneration of intestinal stem cells (ISCs). An impaired antioxidant system also contributes to excessive ROS levels. Damage to ISCs results in decreased mucus production and compromised tight junctions, causing damage to the intestinal barrier. Epithelial cells impairment triggers ongoing inflammation, which promotes fibrogenesis and angiogenesis, processes involved in excessive wound healing during this damage. Endothelial cells experience DNA damage and ROS injury similar to that of epithelial cells. Intestinal vascular dysfunction, including increased permeability, ischemia, and angiogenesis, is involved throughout all stages of RIII. Additionally, dysbiosis of intestinal flora is characterized by reduced diversity, an overgrowth of conditional pathogens, and a decrease in probiotics. Current treatments for RIII include anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, mucosal protective agents, and probiotics. Other therapies, such as anti-ferroptosis agents and targeted drugs, are still in preclinical studies. Traditional Chinese medicine, including decoctions, single herbs, or extracts, shows potential in treating RIII. The pathophysiology of RIII involves multiple dynamic steps, each with both harmful and protective aspects. Future research should delve deeper into these dual aspects of radiation-induced damage and its associated complications.

Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can affect almost any organ systems. Multiple-organs irAEs are a rare occurrence which makes its management and treatment very challenging. This is a case report of a 71-year-old man with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who developed multiple-organs irAEs (lung, muscle, myocardium, liver, and pituitary) after a single cycle (21 days) of the BGB-A317 (Tislelizumab). After more than two months of immunosuppression treatment with glucocorticoids, the tumor and inflammatory lesions in the lung were reduced. The levels of serum creatase, cardiac troponin T (TNT), and hepatic transaminase were also reduced. Four months after the termination of ICI therapy, the lung tumor reappeared in the previous site. This rare case report supplies several experiences in the management of multiple-organs irAEs, including full-scale monitoring of immunological indicators, early differential diagnosis, and prompt glucocorticoid therapy. This patient was not a candidate for the ICI re-challenge therapy due to the number and seriousness of irAEs. Multiple-organs irAEs add complexity to the management, and additional research is needed to develop optimal therapeutic guidelines.