Identify a common side effect of immunotherapies.

Immune-related adverse events, such as colitis or dermatitis, are a well-recognized side effect of immunotherapies. These therapies work by stimulating or enhancing the body’s immune response against cancer. However, this activation of the immune system can sometimes lead to unintentional attacks on normal tissues, resulting in a range of immune-related side effects. Colitis, for example, is inflammation of the colon, while dermatitis refers to skin inflammation, both of which can occur when the immune system becomes overactive.

Understanding the mechanism of immunotherapy helps clarify why these adverse events occur. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which primarily targets rapidly dividing cells and can lead to side effects like nausea and hair loss, immunotherapies can provoke autoimmune-like responses. This is why immune-related adverse events are particularly characteristic of this treatment modality and are crucial for healthcare providers to monitor and manage effectively. In contrast, the other choices typically relate more to conventional chemotherapy side effects rather than those specifically associated with immunotherapeutic agents.