Cutaneous Adverse Events of New Anti-melanoma Therapies: Classification and Management

Causes and Management of Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions: A Comprehensive Review

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) are one of the most broadly studied and rigorously researched conditions in recent dermatological advancements. Also termed as "toxidermia," they are heavily involved and are of utmost importance to be understood and studied in the modern healthcare industry. In simple terms, they are dermatological manifestations which result from systemic drug administration to patients. Since allopathy is influenced by the medicines and drugs provided to the patients, cutaneous skin eruptions are a common occurrence in recent times. It is a need of the hour to understand the causative factors for such skin eruptions and the correct management and handling of such disorders to provide better healthcare to patients. The withdrawal of the causative drug which induces the reaction plays a key role in treatment. The risk factors are to be thoroughly studied, and dosages must be in accordance with the patient's situation. They are some of the common public health problems. The age group which is affected is highly variable as people from all age groups can be affected. Those who are affected comprise approximately 10% of all hospitalized patients, and it is also observed in about 1-4% of people who are on multiple medications.

Cutaneous Side Effects of Modern Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy in Patients with Dermatological Malignancies

The advent of immunotherapy and targeted therapies in treating dermatological malignancies has dramatically changed the landscape of dermato-oncology in recent years. Their superior efficacy compared to previous therapeutic options, such as chemotherapy, has resulted in their use in treating devastating malignancies, such as melanoma or unresectable/metastatic basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Skin toxicity is a critical safety consideration, among other adverse reactions, that can occur under treatment with these agents. This article aims to summarize the cutaneous side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted dermato-oncological therapies. Although the skin side effects of these agents are primarily mild, they can occasionally affect the decision for treatment continuation and the quality of life of the affected patients. Therefore, physicians must be acquainted with the specific cutaneous toxicity profile of such treatments to mitigate their impact on the patients and optimize the overall outcome of dermato-oncological therapy.

Cutaneous Adverse Reactions of Immunotherapy in Patients with Advanced Melanoma

Immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) have been widely used during the last decade for the treatment of various tumors, including advanced and metastatic melanoma. While these agents have improved melanoma patients’ survival rates, they have also been associated with various autoimmune toxicities, with the skin being most commonly affected. The severity of cutaneous toxicity can not only negatively affect patients’ quality of life but can also limit the proper treatment of cancer. Thus, the role of the dermatologist is substantial in early detecting and promptly treating these adverse events. Maculopapular rash, psoriasiform, lichenoid dermatoses and bullous pemphigoid are the most frequent cutaneous adverse events that require immediate intervention. Other rare autoimmune toxicities, e.g., sarcoidosis, dermatomyositis or subacute lupus, have also been reported. In this review, we summarize the aspects of ICB-induced cutaneous toxicities in patients with melanoma, emphasizing their management and treatment options in clinical practice.

Connective tissue panniculitis and vitiligo in a patient with stage IV melanoma achieving complete response to dabrafenib and trametinib combination therapy

The combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors, such as dabrafenib and trametinib, respectively, is an established treatment option for patients with advanced BRAFV600-mutated melanoma. With the wide adoption of these therapies, a range of cutaneous adverse effects has been reported. We describe the case of a 47-year-old woman with BRAFV600E-mutated stage IV melanoma treated with dabrafenib and trametinib for 30 months who presented to our attention for painful skin lesions that had been present on her limbs since the start of targeted therapy. We also observed vitiligo-like lesions on the extensor surface of both legs. Despite achieving a complete oncological response, the patient had to discontinue the treatment because of persisting fever, nausea and painful skin nodules that significantly impaired her quality of life. The recognition of cutaneous signs of efficacy of such drugs for advanced melanoma is of primary importance in order to identify patients with potential long-term clinical benefits.

Stimuli-responsive and cellular targeted nanoplatforms for multimodal therapy of skin cancer

Interdisciplinary applications of nanopharmaceutical sciences have tremendous potential for enhancing pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of cancer therapy. The limitations of conventional therapeutic platforms used for skin cancer therapy have been largely overcome by the use of nanoplatforms. This review discusses various nanotechnological approaches experimented for the treatment of skin cancer. The review describes various polymeric, lipidic and inorganic nanoplatforms for efficient therapy of skin cancer. The stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms such as pH-responsive as well as temperature-responsive platforms have also been reviewed. Different strategies for potentiating the nanoparticles application for cancer therapy such as surface engineering, conjugation with drugs, stimulus-responsive and multimodal effect have also been discussed and compared with the available conventional treatments. Although, nanopharmaceuticals face challenges such as toxicity, cost and scale-up, efforts put-in to improve these drawbacks with continuous research would deliver exciting and promising results in coming days.

[Panniculitis during BRAF inhibitor and/or MEK inhibitor therapy: A new case report and literature review]

INTRODUCTION

BRAF inhibitors±MEK inhibitors can cause panniculitis. Since the initial case described in 2012 by Zimmer et al., some sixty further cases have been reported. Based on a clinical study and a recent and complete review of the literature, we set out in detail the characteristics of panniculitis occurring during BRAF and MEK inhibition therapy as well as the treatment thereof.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A 25-year-old-patient followed for multi-metastatic melanoma and taking dabrafenib and trametinib consulted for the appearance, twenty-two days after the start of targeted therapy (TT), of panniculitis of the legs and forearms possibly induced by the TT after other causes had been ruled out. The TT had been continued following dose reduction and corticoid therapy for ten days, and complete resolution occurred after fifteen days.

RESULTS

Fifty-three cases of panniculitis during BRAF±MEK inhibition therapy were analysed. The condition occurred mainly with BRAF inhibitors alone (especially vemurafenib), but it was also described with three combinations of BRAF and MEK inhibitors, regardless of age (median: 45 years), with a M/F ratio of 0.51, and in 50 % of cases, it occurred within the first month (time to onset: between 1 and 480 days). Non-specific biopsy is useful to rule out differential diagnoses. Symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment, whether systemic or topical, may be given. In the absence of signs of severity, the TT may be continued.

CONCLUSION

When panniculitis occurs during BRAF±MEK inhibitor therapy, the causal role of the TT must be considered after full etiological investigation. It is essential to determine whether a causal relationship exists in order to avoid unwarranted cessation of treatment.

Cutaneous Adverse Events of Anti-PD-1 Therapy and BRAF Inhibitors

OPINION STATEMENT

The treatment of advanced melanoma has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last decade with the advent of targeted and immunomodulatory therapies. This transition from cytotoxic chemotherapy has yielded improvements in both survival and quality of life; yet despite their therapeutic advantages, these treatments have been associated with a diverse range of cutaneous adverse events (AEs). These range from relatively benign eczematous conditions to more severe inflammatory and bullous disorders, and can include induction of second malignancies. AEs can result in serious morbidity and risk of mortality if not recognised and managed early. As a consequence of their novelty, and rapid uptake, these agents have been subject to intense scrutiny and there is a general understanding that cutaneous AEs should be anticipated in treatment plans. Dermatologists should be integrated into management teams to assist in the development of treatment protocols for anticipated common AEs and to provide expert management of more severe, rare or unusual AEs. Our experience has shown a reduction in treatment interruptions, more rapid recognition of unusual AEs and improved management pathways for patients suffering cutaneous AEs.

MicroRNA-378 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of melanoma by inhibiting FOXN3 expression through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the development and progression of melanoma. However, while dysregulation of microRNA-378 (miR-378) has been seen in various cancer types, its clinical importance and function in melanoma are poorly elucidated. In this work, miR-378 expression in melanoma and in adjacent non-cancerous tissue was evaluated with a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. A series of assays (wound healing, Transwell, and nude mouse subcutaneous tumor model) were used to investigate the implications of abnormal miR-378 regulation on melanoma cell migration and invasion in vitro, and on tumorigenicity in vivo. Prediction and conformation of the miR-378 target gene was undertaken using bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter system. Expression of miR-378 was often increased in melanoma, and shown to potentiate its migration, invasion, and tumorigenicity. miR-378 acted, at least partially, through inhibition of the potential target FOXN3 and via Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. The findings indicate that miR-378 triggers melanoma development and progression. This miRNA could be a novel diagnostic and prognostic biological marker and provide utility for targeted treatment of melanoma.

Survival and prognosis of individuals receiving programmed cell death 1 inhibitor with and without immunologic cutaneous adverse events

BACKGROUND

The treatment response to new immunotherapy in advanced melanoma patients remains varied between individuals. Immune-related cutaneous side effects might have prognostic value.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether development of ≥1 of the 3 immune-mediated cutaneous events (eczema, lichenoid reaction, or vitiligo-like depigmentation) is associated with improved progression-free survival.

METHODS

A cohort study of adults with stage IIIC-IV melanoma treated with pembrolizumab or nivolumab during May 1, 2012-February 1, 2018, at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Treatment response was based on iRECIST version 1.1.

RESULTS

In total, 82 patients of an average age of 59.9 years were included. Median follow-up was 40.7 months; 33 patients had ≥1 target skin reaction. Skin reactions developed in one-third of individuals by 6 months. At any given time, the instantaneous risk of disease progression and death was lower for individuals who had ≥1 cutaneous adverse event (CAE) develop. Compared with individuals with no CAE, the hazard ratio for disease progression and death for individuals who had ≥1 CAE develop was 0.46 (95% confidence interval 0.23-0.91; P = .025) by the time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model.

LIMITATIONS

Single-center study.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates an association between the development of ≥1 of 3 CAEs and improved progression-free survival in this cohort of patients.

Cutaneous Adverse Events of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Summarized Overview

Background:

The introduction of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in the recent years has resulted in high response rates and extended survival in patients with metastatic/advanced malignancies. Their mechanism of action is the indirect activation of cytotoxic T-cells through the blockade of inhibitory receptors of immunomodulatory pathways, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1). Despite their impressive therapeutic results, they can also induce immune-related toxicity, affecting various organs, including the skin.

Objective:

To provide an updated summarized overview of the most common immune-mediated cutaneous side effects and their management.

Method:

English articles derived from the databases PubMed and SCOPUS and published between 2009 and 2018, were analyzed for this narrative review.

Results:

The most common adverse cutaneous reactions include maculopapular rash, lichenoid reactions, vitiligo and pruritus, with severity Grade 1 or 2. Less frequent but eventually life-threatening skin side effects, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms and Toxic Epidermal necrolysis, have also been reported.

Conclusion:

Basic knowledge of the Immune-Checkpoint-Inhibitors-induced skin toxicity is necessary in order to recognize these treatment-related complications. The most frequent skin side effects, such as maculopapular rash, vitiligo and pruritus, tend to subside under symptomatic treatment so that permanent discontinuation of therapy is not commonly necessary. In the case of life-threatening side effects, apart from the necessary symptomatic treatment, the immunotherapy should be permanently stopped. Information concerning the management of ICIs-mediated skin toxicity can be obtained from the literature as well as from the Summary of Product Characteristics of each agent.

Clinical management of cutaneous adverse events in patients on targeted anticancer therapies and immunotherapies: a national consensus statement by the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology

Progress in the understanding of many tumors has enabled the development of new therapies, such as those targeted at specific molecules involved in cell growth (targeted therapies) or intended to modulate the immune system (immunotherapy). However, along with the clinical benefit provided by these new treatments, new adverse effects have also appeared. Dermatological toxicities such as papulopustular eruptions, xerosis, and pruritus are common with EGFR inhibitors. Other adverse effects have also been described with PDGFR, BCR-ABL, and MAPK tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antiangiogenic drugs, and inhibitors at immune checkpoints such as CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1. Onset of these adverse effects often causes dose reductions and/or delays in administering the prescribed therapy, which can affect patient survival and quality of life. It is, therefore, important to prevent the occurrence of these adverse effects, or to treat unavoidable ones as soon as possible. This requires cooperation between medical oncologists and dermatologists. This article reviews the various dermatological toxicities associated with targeted therapies and immunotherapies, along with their diagnosis and therapeutic management.

Cutaneous toxicities of new treatments for melanoma

New drugs against advanced melanoma have emerged during last decade. Target therapy and immunotherapy have changed the management of patients with metastatic disease. Along with its generalized use, drug toxicities have appeared and the skin is the target organ of a significant part of them. This revision summarizes the most common side effects and consensus management to improve the compliance of therapies and patients' quality of life. Among the BRAF inhibitors, main cutaneous side effects are photosensitivity, plantar hyperkeratosis, and the appearance of verrucal keratosis or squamous cell carcinoma. Special attention must be paid to the development of new primary melanomas or changes on nevi during BRAF inhibitor therapy. The most common cutaneous side effects of immunotherapy are rash, pruritus, and vitiligo. It remains controversial the possible role of these toxicities as markers of response to therapy.

Management of the cutaneous adverse effects of antimelanoma therapy

The advent of targeted therapy and immunotherapy has revolutionized the management of advanced melanoma. However, these novel therapies are associated with adverse effects (AEs), of which cutaneous toxicities are the most frequently observed. These cutaneous AEs can exert significant morbidity and impact on patient quality of life, hence the recognition and management of AEs is fundamental in preventing interruption or cessation of survival-prolonging treatments. Additionally, knowledge of these AEs are necessary in order for healthcare professionals to counsel patients when starting treatment and in the initiation of AE prophylaxis. The incidence and clinical presentation of the cutaneous toxicities of novel melanoma therapies will be discussed, and treatment guidelines provided.

The safety and efficacy of dabrafenib and trametinib for the treatment of melanoma

INTRODUCTION

The introduction of BRAF and MEK inhibitors into clinical practice improved the prognosis of metastatic melanoma patients. The combination of BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib with MEK inhibitor trametinib has shown its superiority to single agent therapy and is characterized by a tolerable spectrum of adverse events which shows a decrease in incidence over time on treatment. Areas covered: The current scientific literature on safety and adverse events (AEs) related to BRAF and MEK-inhibition has been investigated with special focus on the large phase 3 studies (COMBI-v, COMBI-d and CoBRIM) as well as recent updates presented at oncology and melanoma meetings. Additionally, published case series/case reports were screened for information on AEs. Expert opinion: Even though almost every patient (98%) under combination therapy with dabrafenib and trametinib experiences at least one adverse event, these are generally mild to moderate, reversible and can be managed with dose reductions or interruptions. However, due to an increased life expectancy, there is a substantial need to prevent and treat also mild adverse events, as they play a central role for the quality of life of patients. Ongoing clinical trials will have to demonstrate the efficacy as well as safety of triple combination with anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 antibodies.