The nonprofit Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF) announced its collaboration as a co-founding member of the irAE Consortium, a newly formed collaborative effort uniting clinicians, researchers, and patients to tackle a critical issue facing cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy treatment: adverse reactions. Other co-founders include leading experts from Cleveland Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital, the Ohio State University, Duke University, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Stanford Cancer Center. The inaugural meeting of the Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAE) Consortium is scheduled for March 7-8, 2024, at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

This initiative aims to address the unmet needs of cancer patients who experience adverse reactions to immunotherapy, a novel treatment approach. The consortium is committed to elevating the quality of care and support for cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy by prioritizing cutting-edge research, shared expertise, and patient-centered approaches.

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, offering new hope to patients by harnessing the body’s immune system to fight cancer. However, some patients experience negative reactions to these therapies, presenting significant challenges for both patients and health care providers.

The irAE Consortium recognizes the urgency of this issue and is committed to advancing solutions through collaboration. “By bringing together clinicians, researchers, and patients, we can pool our expertise and resources to better understand and manage adverse reactions associated with this groundbreaking treatment approach,” explained Dr. Pauline Funchain, MD, Co-Director, Immune Related Toxicity (irTOX) Program and Co-Director, Skin Cancer Genetics Program at Stanford Cancer Center.

Distinct from those undergoing conventional cancer treatments or managing autoimmune conditions, patients experiencing adverse reactions to immunotherapy for cancer treatment are on a unique journey. In addition to the physical and emotional hurdles faced by cancer patients and their caregivers, individuals facing adverse reactions to immunotherapy encounter additional complexities and needs, requiring a nuanced approach that addresses both cancer treatment and immune-related complications.

“As a leading advocate for patient empowerment, patient-centered research, and access to quality health care, GHLF is honored to be part of the irAE Consortium, a coalition that shares our commitment to improving the lives of individuals affected by serious health conditions,” remarked Seth Ginsberg, Co-Founder of GHLF. “Patients may develop chronic moderate/severe irAEs after treatment with immunotherapy that can be neurological, rheumatic, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, respiratory, or dermatologic. Together, we endeavor to facilitate meaningful progress in addressing adverse reactions among cancer immunotherapy patients, ensuring patient voices and experiences guide our efforts towards improved care,” said Ginsberg.

Dr. Alexa Meara, MD, a leading rheumatologist with an appointment in oncology from Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center, and Co-founder of the irAE Consortium, underscores the importance of this collaborative effort: “The irAE Consortium represents a vital step toward addressing the challenges faced by cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy,” said Dr. Meara, who has been exploring the interface of oncology and rheumatology in her work. “Understanding, monitoring, and effectively managing irAEs are crucial aspects of ensuring patient safety and treatment success in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors.”

The irAE Consortium will host its inaugural meeting as a catalyst for advancing research, fostering collaboration, and ultimately, improving outcomes for cancer patients worldwide. To register for the inaugural irAE Consortium meeting in Cleveland, OH, on March 7-8, 2024 please visit: https://ghlf.org/irae-consortium/.

To read more resources on irAE, visit CreakyJoints at https://creakyjoints.org/tag/immune-related-adverse-events/.

About Global Healthy Living Foundation

The Global Healthy Living Foundation is a U.S. based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, international organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses by advocating for improved access to health care through education, patient-centered clinical research, support, advocacy and economic and policy research. GHLF is also a staunch advocate for vaccines. The Global Healthy Living Foundation is the parent organization of CreakyJoints®, the international, digital community for millions of people living with arthritis and their supporters worldwide who seek education, support, activism, and patient-centered research in English, Spanish, and French. In addition to arthritis and autoimmune disorders, GHLF supports dermatology, gastroenterology, neurology, cardiology, infectious diseases, and pulmonary patients through a host of different programs and activities which draw nearly 1 million patients a month to GHLF websites. In addition, a library of podcasts via the GHLF Podcast Network, with more than 20 patient-centered podcast series. GHLF never asks the public for donations. Visit ghlf.org for more information.

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