TRACKER Celebrates New Publication on Immunotherapy Lung Toxicity

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Congratulations to PhD candidate and respiratory physician Dr Senthuran Shivakumar on his first TRACKER publication, and to the TRACKER team on this achievement - now published in Translational Lung Cancer Research.

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Shedding Lung on Checkpoint Inhibitor Pneumonitis

Checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis (CIP) is a potentially serious side-effect experienced by some cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. Because symptoms can vary widely and reliable biomarkers are limited, diagnosing and managing CIP remains a challenge for clinicians worldwide.

Dr Shivakumar’s publication, “Utility of bronchoalveolar lavage in checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis evaluation: a narrative review", examines whether bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) can improve how CIP is assessed and understood. BAL samples immune cells, molecules and the microbiome directly from the lungs, offering insights into inflammatory pathways, immune cell composition, and the lung microenvironment.

While current guidelines recommend BAL in patients with severe or unclear cases of CIP, the review notes that its precise diagnostic value is still evolving. Ongoing studies suggest BAL could one day support more accurate classification of pneumonitis and guide treatment decisions.

Looking Toward Future Breakthroughs

The publication also highlights exciting research directions - including molecular profiling, immunogenomics, and lung microbiome analysis - that may unlock new ways to diagnose CIP earlier and predict which patients are most at risk.

“BAL offers a valuable window into the immune landscape of CIP, and my ongoing research may help clarify its role in improving clinical care.” - Dr Shivakumar

A Collaborative Achievement

This publication was made possible through the collaboration of our colleagues at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI), Austin Health, Melbourne University, Monash University, and the Paula Fox Melanoma Cancer Centre.

Congratulations to Dr Shivakumar and co-authors Dr Sagun Parakh, Dr Natalia Vukelic, Dr Farzaneh Atashrazm, A/Prof Vivek Naranbhai, A/Prof Nicole Goh, Dr Jessica Da Gama Duarte, and Dr Tracy Leong on this meaningful contribution to lung cancer immunotherapy research.

Read the full article in Translational Lung Cancer Research:

Utility of bronchoalveolar lavage in checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis evaluation: a narrative review