Practical Management of Immunosuppressants in Dermatology

Biologics Versus JAK Inhibitors. Part I: Cancer Risk. A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Biological drugs (BD) and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) have revolutionized the treatment of diverse dermatoses. However, there are concerns regarding their safety, especially the risk of cancer and opportunistic infections. Here, we discuss the risk of cancer associated with the BD and JAKi used in dermatology.

METHODS

A narrative review was carried out. All relevant articles evaluating the risk of cancer associated with BD or JAKi and published between January 2010 and February 2024 were selected.

RESULTS

Multiple large studies have evaluated the association between BD, JAKi and cancer risk. However, there is a lack of prospective, comparative studies. Overall, patients undergoing BD and JAKi present a cutaneous cancer incidence similar to that in the general population. The drugs more strongly associated with non-skin cancer risk were anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNFs) agents and JAKi (especially tofacitinib and oral ruxolitinib). This risk appears to increase with age, the presence of other factors (such as chronic immunosuppression from previous drugs or other comorbidities), and specific diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and myelodysplastic syndrome. Conversely, BD such as interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 inhibitors may even reduce the risk of some visceral and hematological malignancies. In patients with dermatological conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, the risk of malignancies may be lower than in other subgroups, and probably comparable to the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of cancer in patients undergoing BD or JAKi is generally low. This incidence can be higher in elderly patients with RA or myelodysplastic syndrome, and in those undergoing prolonged therapy with tofacitinib or ruxolitinib (oral), or anti-TNF agents.

Topical and Oral Roflumilast in Dermatology: A Narrative Review

Oral roflumilast is a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor approved for the prevention of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis. In dermatology, topical roflumilast is authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis. Several studies have described the off-label use of roflumilast in dermatology, including a randomized controlled trial showing its usefulness in the treatment of psoriasis; case reports and small series have also reported successful outcomes in hidradenitis suppurativa, recurrent oral aphthosis, nummular eczema, lichen planus, and Behçet disease. Roflumilast has a favorable safety profile, similar to that of apremilast, and it is considerably cheaper than new generation drugs and even some conventional immunosuppressants. We review the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of topical and oral roflumilast and discuss potential adverse effects and both approved and off-label uses in dermatology. Roflumilast is a promising agent to consider.

[Translated aticle] Topical and Oral Roflumilast in Dermatology: A Narrative Review

Oral roflumilast is a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor approved for the prevention of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis. In dermatology, topical roflumilast is authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis. Several studies have described the off-label use of roflumilast in dermatology, including a randomized controlled trial showing its usefulness in the treatment of psoriasis; case reports and small series have also reported successful outcomes in hidradenitis suppurativa, recurrent oral aphthosis, nummular eczema, lichen planus, and Behçet disease. Roflumilast has a favorable safety profile, similar to that of apremilast, and it is considerably cheaper than new generation drugs and even some conventional immunosuppressants. We review the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of topical and oral roflumilast and discuss potential adverse effects and both approved and off-label uses in dermatology. Roflumilast is a promising agent to consider.

Myasthenia gravis. Update on diagnosis and therapy

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease caused by the presence of specific antibodies targeting different postsynaptic components of the neuromuscular junction, and is clinically characterized by the presence of fatigueable muscle weakness. In the etiopathogenesis plays a central role the thymus and the most frequently detected pathogenic autoantibodies are targeted to the acetylcholine receptor. The increase in the knowledge of the immunological components of the neuromuscular junction in the last two decades has been fundamental to identify new pathogenic antibodies, reduce the percentage of patients with seronegative myasthenia, and propose a classification of patients into subgroups with clinical-therapeutic interest. In addition, in recent years, new drugs have been developed for the treatment of patients with myasthenia gravis that are refractory to conventional immunosuppressive treatment.

COVID-19 and dermatology: a comprehensive guide for dermatologists

Linked articles: COVID‐19 SPECIAL FORUM. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: e291–e310 .

Paraneoplastic pemphigus: a clinical, laboratorial, and therapeutic overview

Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a rare and severe autoimmune blistering disease characterized by mucocutaneous lesions associated with benign and malignant neoplasms. Diagnostic criteria include the presence of chronic mucositis and polymorphic cutaneous lesions with occult or confirmed neoplasia; histopathological analysis exhibiting intraepidermal acantholysis, necrotic keratinocytes, and vacuolar interface dermatitis; direct immunofluorescence with intercellular deposits (IgG and C3) and at the basement membrane zone (IgG); indirect immunofluorescence with intercellular deposition of IgG (substrates: monkey esophagus and simple, columnar, and transitional epithelium); and, autoreactivity to desmogleins 1 and 3, desmocollins 1, 2, and 3, desmoplakins I and II, envoplakin, periplakin, epiplakin, plectin, BP230, and α-2-macroglobulin-like protein 1. Neoplasias frequently related to paraneoplastic pemphigus include chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, carcinomas, Castleman disease, thymoma, and others. Currently, there is no standardized treatment for paraneoplastic pemphigus. Systemic corticosteroids, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin have been used, with variable outcomes. Reported survival rates in 1, 2, and 5 years are 49%, 41%, and 38%, respectively.