Abstract

The field of immunotherapies including monoclonal antibodies and cellular therapies is rapidly evolving and cytokine release syndrome is an obstacle to deal with in this process. This syndrome is a kind of toxic condition caused by the pro-inflammatory cytokines released with the activation of the extreme immune response. In fact, up to some extent, the cytokine release may be an indicator of the antitumor effects of immune-based therapies. Therefore, the distinction between the level at which the efficiency of treatment is ensured and the point at which the life-threatening cytokine release syndrome starts is critically important. Recently, considerable developments have been achieved with regard to the prevention or control of this syndrome. In this review it is aimed to summarize the clinical approach to cytokine release syndrome and associated conditions.