Diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to immunotherapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibodies that are increasingly used in cancer treatments. As experience in the use of immunotherapy increases, more is known about its safety profile and immune-mediated adverse effects. Among them is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a rare but serious fatal complication of treatment. In this paper we describe the cases of three patients who presented with episodes of DKA during treatment with ICIs, two of which manifested with fulminant forms, leading to an acute course with initially normal glycosylated hemoglobin values. In addition, we conducted a review of the literature on DKA associated with ICIs in order to highlight the importance of noticing these potentially fatal complications and promptly establishing appropriate therapy.