Acetaminophen impacts efficacy of immunotherapy in cancer patients: Study
France: Acetaminophen (APAP) suppresses antitumor immunity in patients with advanced cancer, states an article published in Annals of Oncology. Hence, in patients treated with immune checkpoint blockers (ICB), APAP should be used with caution, the researchers suggest.
In cancer patients, pain is a highly prevalent and distressing symptom. Acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic is a first-line strategy to manage mild-to-moderate pain in patients with advanced cancer. It improves pain and well-being in these patients. Preclinical studies have illustrated that acetaminophen inhibits the proliferation of immune cells and the T cell-dependent antibody response. Additionally, randomized studies have reported a negative impact of acetaminophen on vaccination response, with decreased antibody levels in individuals receiving acetaminophen for fever prophylaxis."
A. Marabelle, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France, and colleagues conducted a study to assess APAP's impact on immunotherapy efficacy in patients with cancer.
Researchers enrolled patients with advanced cancer who were treated with immune checkpoint blockers (ICB) for three independent cohorts. Exposure to APAP was assessed by plasma analysis and was correlated with clinical outcomes. APAP immunomodulatory effects were evaluated on pre-clinical tumor model and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.