An algorithm based on immunotherapy discontinuation and liver biopsy spares corticosteroids in two thirds of cases of severe checkpoint inhibitor-induced liver injury.

Background: There are few data on corticosteroids (CS)-sparing strategies for checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced liver injury (ChILI).

Aim: We aimed to assess the performance of a 2-step algorithm for severe ChILI, based on ICI temporary discontinuation (step-1) and, if lack of biochemical improvement, CS based on the degree of necroinflammation at biopsy (step-2).

Methods: Prospective study that included all subjects with grade 3/4 ChILI.

Immune-related hepatitis related to checkpoint inhibitors: Clinical and prognostic factors.

Background & Aims: Check point inhibitors (CPI) have improved survival of oncology patients but adverse effects that mimic autoimmune disorders have been reported. Our aim was describe the characteristics of immune-related hepatitis (irH) and prognosis, and compared them to those of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).

Methods: This is a retrospective study including all grade ≥ 3 (severe) irH diagnosed among 414 patients treated with CPI from 2016 to 2018.

High-resolution hepatitis C virus subtyping using NS5B deep sequencing and phylogeny, an alternative to current methods.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is classified into seven major genotypes and 67 subtypes. Recent studies have shown that in HCV genotype 1-infected patients, response rates to regimens containing direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are subtype dependent. Currently available genotyping methods have limited subtyping accuracy.