Korean J Radiol.  2025 Feb;26(2):156-168. 10.3348/kjr.2024.0195.

Imaging Findings of Complications of New Anticancer Drugs

• Jang JS
• Park HJ
• Suh CH
• Won SE
• Lee ES
• Kim N
• Lee DW
• Kim KW

• KMID: 2564795
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2024.0195

Abstract

The anticancer drugs have evolved significantly, spanning molecular targeted therapeutics (MTTs), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Complications associated with these drugs vary widely based on their mechanisms of action. MTTs that target angiogenesis can often lead to complications related to ischemia or endothelial damage across various organs, whereas non-anti-angiogenic MTTs present unique complications derived from their specific pharmacological actions. ICIs are predominantly associated with immunerelated adverse events, such as pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, thyroid disorders, hypophysitis, and sarcoid-like reactions. CAR-T therapy causes unique and severe complications including cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. ADCs tend to cause complications associated with cytotoxic payloads. A comprehensive understanding of these drug-specific toxicities, particularly using medical imaging, is essential for providing optimal patient care. Based on this knowledge, radiologists can play a pivotal role in multidisciplinary teams. Therefore, radiologists must stay up-to-date on the imaging characteristics of these complications and the mechanisms underlying novel anticancer drugs.

Keyword

Imaging; Radiology; Cancer; Oncology; Anticancer; Treatment; Therapy; Drug; Complication; Toxicity; Adverse events