Which type of immunotherapy side effect may require immediate medical attention?

Colitis, which generally refers to the inflammation of the colon, is a side effect of certain immunotherapy treatments that may necessitate rapid medical intervention. This is primarily due to the potential severity of the symptom. Colitis can lead to significant gastrointestinal complications, including severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and perforation of the colon if not treated promptly. Monitoring for signs of colitis is critical, as it can be detrimental to a patient's health if it escalates unaddressed.

In contrast, while dermatitis, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain can certainly impact a patient’s quality of life during immunotherapy, these conditions are typically managed with symptomatic treatment and do not usually pose immediate life-threatening risks that require urgent medical care. This delineation is essential for healthcare providers when evaluating and treating patients undergoing immunotherapy.