Special interest
Immunotherapy side effects on the joints and muscles
Checkpoint-inhibitor immunotherapy can cause arthritis, muscle inflammation and other rheumatic problems. Dr Malley works with oncology teams to settle them while protecting your cancer treatment.
Royal Free Immunotherapy MDT
Works with your oncologist
Steroid-sparing options
For oncology teams
Fast, joined-up referrals
What can happen
Rheumatic side effects Dr Malley assesses
They can start weeks or months into treatment, and sometimes after it has finished.
Inflammatory arthritis
Painful, swollen joints in the hands, knees or elsewhere.
Polymyalgia-like pain
Stiffness and pain in the shoulders and hips, worse in the morning.
Myositis
Muscle weakness or aching that needs prompt assessment.
Dry eyes and mouth
Sicca symptoms that can be eased with the right treatment.
How it works
One plan, agreed with your oncology team
1
Referral
From your oncology team, GP or yourself, with your treatment details.
2
Assessment
Joints, muscles, blood tests and imaging, reviewed together.
3
Shared plan
Treatment agreed with your oncologist, steroid-sparing where possible.
4
Ongoing review
Follow-up as immunotherapy continues, in person or by video.
For patients
Noticed new joint or muscle pain during immunotherapy?
Tell your oncology team, then book an appointment
Bring your treatment summary and recent blood tests
Video follow-up is available between treatment cycles
For oncology teams
Refer a patient on checkpoint inhibitors
Include the regimen, start date and current symptoms
We reply to the referring team after assessment
Advice on steroid-sparing treatment and continuing therapy
Research
Helping to improve treatment for checkpoint-inhibitor arthritis
Dr Malley is a co-author of the protocol for a UK randomised trial comparing treatments for inflammatory arthritis caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors.
FAQs
Questions about immunotherapy side effects
Will I have to stop my immunotherapy?
Not always. Many people continue cancer treatment while the joint or muscle problem is treated. The decision is made with your oncologist.
Are steroids the only option?
Answer to follow: awaiting client copy.
How quickly can I be seen?
Answer to follow: awaiting client copy.
Can I be seen by video?
Answer to follow: awaiting client copy.
