Abstract / Summary
With their success in the treatment of various malignancies, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are quickly being established as a critical component of treatment plans in oncology. However, due to concerns regarding autoimmune flares and immune-related adverse events, patients with autoimmune disease have historically been excluded from clinical trials. While research has been slowly incorporating those with autoimmune disease, research focusing on some autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis is still lacking. This scoping review aimed to characterize the safety and outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in patients with systemic sclerosis. A literature search conducted through PubMed, Semantic Scholar, and OpenAlex was performed through June 2026 in accordance with the PRISMA-Scoping Review guidelines. Available evidence regarding the safety of ICI therapy in patients with pre-existing systemic sclerosis remains limited and heterogeneous. Autoimmune flares and immune-related adverse events, including severe complications, have been reported, and the available data are insufficient to establish the safety or tolerability of ICIs in this population. Further prospective studies are needed to better characterize outcomes and identify factors associated with increased risk.