Grading of joint and muscle related adverse events*

irAEGrade 1Grade 2Grade 3Grades 45
Arthralgia1Mild painModerate pain; limiting instrumental ADLSevere pain; limiting self-care ADLn.a.
Arthritis2Mild pain with inflammation erythema, or joint swellingModerate pain associated with signs of inflammation, erythema, or joint swelling; limiting instrumental ADLSevere pain associated with signs of inflammation, erythema, or joint swelling; irreversible joint damagen.a.
Joint effusion3Asymptomatic, clinical or diagnostic observation only; no intervention neededSymptomatic; limiting ADLSevere symptoms; limiting self-care ADL; invasive intervention indicatedn.a.
Myalgia4Mild painModerate pain; limiting instrumental ADLSevere pain; limiting self-care ADLn.a.
Myositis5Mild painModerate pain associated with weakness; pain limiting instrumental ADLPain associated with severe weakness; limiting self-care ADLLife-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicated

*: Extracted from National Cancer Institute. Common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) v5.0; 2017. Available from (page 95–98): https://ctep.cancer.gov/protocoldevelopment/electronic_applications/docs/CTCAE_v5_Quick_Reference_5x7.pdf. 1: a disorder characterized by a sensation of marked discomfort in a joint. 2: a disorder characterized by inflammation involving a joint. 3: a disorder characterized by excessive fluid in a joint, usually as a result of joint inflammation. 4: a disorder characterized by marked discomfort sensation originating from a muscle or group of muscles. 5: a disorder characterized by inflammation involving the skeletal muscles. CTCAE v5.0 incorporates certain elements of the MedDRA terminology. For further details on MedDRA refer to the MedDRA MSSO Web site (https://www.meddra.org/). MedDRA® the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities terminology is the international medical terminology developed under the auspices of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). irAE: immune-related adverse event; ADL: activity of daily living; n.a.: not applicable