Work

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus in metastatic cancer patients

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: AIMS: To assess the risk of new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in metastatic cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) compared to those receiving non-ICI therapies. METHOD: A retrospective cohort study using TriNetX global electronic health records (2014-2025) from multiple healthcare systems. Adult metastatic cancer patients initiating ICI or non-ICI therapy were included. Patients with preexisting diabetes within 6 months were excluded. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 25,463 patients remained in each group. Outcomes were identified by ICD-10 codes. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 764 days (ICI) vs. 692 days (non-ICI). ICI use was associated with a higher risk of T1DM (HR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.81-3.04) and DKA (HR, 10.58; 95% CI, 4.21-26.59). Cumulative incidence analyses supported these findings, with ICIs showing higher risks of T1DM (0.75% vs. 0.32%; RR, 2.32 [95% CI, 1.79-3.00]) and DKA (0.20% vs. 0.04%; RR, 5.00 [95% CI, 2.54-9.86]). Subgroup analyses identified elevated baseline HbA1c (> 6.0%), male sex, white race, and dual checkpoint blockade as high-risk factors. CONCLUSION: ICIs significantly increase the risk of T1DM and DKA. These findings highlight the need for vigilant glycemic monitoring in cancer patients treated with ICIs, especially within identified high-risk subgroups.

Source: Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome

DOI: 10.1186/s13098-025-01940-0