Hold the checkpoint inhibitors when pneumonitis symptoms occur

In rare instances, patients may required other immunosuppressive agents, such as infliximab (Remicade), cyclophosphamide, or mycophenolate mofetil.

Patients who require additional immunosuppressive agents to resolve severe pneumonitis tend to have poor outcomes, Dr. Gettinger said.

Re-challenge of patients with a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor following resolution of pneumonitis appears to be inadvisable for all patients except possibly those with grade 1 (asymptomatic) toxicity, due to the high risk of recurrence, he said.