Background: the roots of immune-related adverse events inequalities between female and male cancer patients

In patients with cancer, the increasing use of immunotherapic treatments is associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs) caused by non-specific activation of the immune system. IrAEs usually develop within the first few weeks to 6 months after treatment initiation; however, they can also present after cessation of immunotherapic treatment. Sex influences the adaptive immunity, and may influence irAEs types, frequency and severity. Accumulating evidences support the existence of sex-driven differences in immune responses as potential factors contributing to disease outcome and response to therapy. Together with genetic and biological differences, the roots of irAEs inequalities between female and male patients could also be linked to psycho-social and behavioral determinants.