Evaluating the skin in patients undergoing chimeric antigen receptor modified T-cell therapy

Toxic epidermal necrolysis-like cutaneous toxicity following chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in recurrent large B-cell lymphoma

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable success in treating various B-cell malignancies, redirecting T-cell cytotoxicity toward cancer cells. Despite its efficacy, CAR-T therapy is associated with potential risks, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and cytopenia. We present a case of a 69-year-old man with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with axicabtagene-ciloleucel CAR-T therapy, who developed a rare and severe cutaneous toxicity resembling toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The patient exhibited persistent fevers, CRS, and subsequent development of a widespread erythematous macular eruption, progressing to vesiculation with bullae. Notably, allopurinol-induced TEN was considered with the patient's recent exposure to allopurinol, although the onset and minimal mucosal involvement did not align with typical presentations of allopurinol-induced cases. The cutaneous reaction, distinct from typical SJS/TEN, showed minimal mucosal involvement and coincided with the cytokine release storm, differing from allopurinol-induced TEN. Despite the absence of guidelines, the patient was managed with systemic steroids, achieving significant improvement. This case expands the spectrum of CAR-T therapy-related cutaneous toxicities, highlighting the need for early recognition of histopathology and tailored management by dermatologists. Further understanding of these reactions is crucial for optimizing the safety profile of this groundbreaking immunotherapy.

Dermatologic Adverse Events Associated With Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy: A Pharmacovigilance Analysis of the FDA Reporting System

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, including axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) and tisagenlecleucel (tisa-cel), has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating refractory or relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Though adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) are well characterized, the dermatologic adverse event (DAE) profile is less thoroughly described. This study aims to provide the first comprehensive analysis of DAEs associated with axi-cel and tisa-cel using real-world data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. FAERS database reports citing axi-cel or tisa-cel in patients aged 16 years or older were included, excluding duplicate reports and off-label indications. Disproportionality analysis by reporting odds ratio (ROR) was utilized to detect increased reporting of drug-adverse event combinations. Of the 11,256,845 reports in the FAERS database, 5559 identified CAR-T therapy as the primary suspected drug. After exclusions, 3,666 reports were analyzed (2,168 for axi-cel and 1,498 for tisa-cel). Among these, 2.7% of axi-cel and 5.1% of tisa-cel cases reported DAEs. There was a statistically significant increased reporting of 2 DAE groups associated with CAR-T therapy: severe cutaneous eruptions (ROR 5.18, 95% CI 1.29, 20.76) and vascular cutaneous (ROR 2.91, 95% CI 1.51, 5.60). The median time to DAE onset was 3 days after CAR T-cell infusion. Death was a reported outcome in 11.9% and 13.0% of axi-cel and tisa-cel DAE cases, respectively, and in 50% and 25% of severe cutaneous eruptions and vascular cutaneous cases, respectively. This study reveals a significantly increased reporting rate of severe cutaneous eruptions and vascular cutaneous DAEs associated with CAR-T therapy, with both event groups associated with high mortality. These results emphasize the importance of monitoring dermatologic toxicities in clinical practice to ensure timely identification and management of potentially severe adverse events.

What is novel in the clinical management of pemphigus vulgaris?

INTRODUCTION

Pemphigus, an uncommon autoimmune blistering disorder affecting the skin and mucous membranes, currently with mortality primarily attributed to adverse reactions resulting from treatment protocols. Additionally, the existing treatments exhibit a notable recurrence rate. The high incidence of relapse and the considerable adverse effects associated with treatment underscore the imperative to explore safer and more effective therapeutic approaches. Numerous potential therapeutic targets have demonstrated promising outcomes in trials or preliminary research stages. These encompass anti-CD-20 agents, anti-CD-25 agents, TNF-α inhibition, FAS Ligand Inhibition, FcRn inhibition, BAFF inhibition, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibition, CAAR T Cells, JAK inhibition, mTOR inhibition, abatacept, IL-4 inhibition, IL-17 inhibition, IL-6 inhibition, polyclonal Regulatory T Cells, and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

AREAS COVERED

The most significant studies regarding the impact and efficacy of the mentioned treatments on pemphigus were meticulously curated through a comprehensive search conducted on the PubMed database. Moreover, the investigations of interest cited in these studies were also integrated.

EXPERT OPINION

The efficacy and safety profiles of the other treatments under discussion do not exhibit the same level of robustness as anti-CD20 therapy, which is anticipated to endure as a critical element in pemphigus treatment well into the foreseeable future.

Case Report: Severe cutaneous adverse event associated with checkpoint inhibition in the setting of CAR T-cell therapy: beyond CRS

Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy actually represents the standard of care for multiple relapsed or refractory primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (r/r PMBCL). Checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, appear to be a safe and effective treatment strategy for patients who are ineligible for or resistant to autologous stem cell transplantation. Although preclinical studies suggested that checkpoint inhibitors may enhance the vitality and anti-tumor activity of CAR T cells, there are no substantial/robust clinical data about the immune-mediated toxicity of their association. We describe a case of a severe cutaneous adverse event arising immediately after Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) on day +6 from CAR T cells infusion in a young r/r PMBCL patient who previously received pembrolizumab. These skin lesions were interpreted as an immune mediated adverse event, considering their prompt improvement and fully recovering achieved with the addition of immunoglobulin infusion to systemic steroid therapy. This case of life-threatening cutaneous adverse event calls for further investigations about off-target immune-related adverse events deriving from the combination of CAR T cell therapy and checkpoint inhibition, whose synergic therapeutic effect is promising.

Dermatologic complications in transplantation and cellular therapy for acute leukemia

Adoptive cellular immunotherapy, mainly hematopoietic stem cell transplant and CAR-T cell therapy have revolutionized treatment of patients with acute leukemia. Indications and inclusion criteria for these treatments have expanded in recent years. While these therapies are associated with significant improvements in disease response and overall survival, patients may experience adverse events from associated chemotherapy conditioning, engraftment, cytokine storm, supportive medications, and post-transplant maintenance targeted therapies. Supportive oncodermatology is a growing specialty to manage cutaneous toxicities resulting from the anti-cancer therapies. In this review, we summarize diagnosis and management of the common cutaneous adverse events including drug eruptions, graft-versus-host disease, neoplastic and paraneoplastic complications in patients undergoing cellular therapies.

The pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of CAR-T cell therapy-related adverse reactions

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is effective in the treatment of refractory/relapsed (r/r) hematological malignancies (r/r B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia, B-cell lymphoma, and multiple myeloma). In addition, it is being explored as a treatment option for solid tumors. As of 31 March 2022, seven CAR-T therapies for hematological malignancies have been approved worldwide. Although CAR-T therapy is an effective treatment for many malignancies, it also causes adverse effects. The incidence of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), the most common adverse reaction after infusion of CAR-T cells, is as high as 93%.CRS, is the leading risk factor of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), as well as cardiovascular, hematological, hepatorenal, skin, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal toxicity. Severe adverse reactions complicated by CRS severely impede the widespread application of CAR-T therapy. The CAR-T product was initially approved in 2017; however, only limited studies have investigated the adverse reactions owing to CAR-T therapy compared to that of clinically approved drugs. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms, risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and treatment of toxicities concurrent with CRS, thereby providing a valuable reference for the safe, effective, and widespread application of CAR-T therapy.

Rapidly progressing vulvar soft tissue infection as a result of severe hypogammaglobulinemia following CAR T-cell therapy

•Consider immune dysfunction in rapidly progressing soft tissue infections refractory to medical or surgical management.•Vulvar ulcers may rapidly progress to severe complications in patients with immune dysfunction after CAR T-cell therapy.•As CAR T-cell therapy use expands, recognition of unique toxicities is an important consideration.

Case Report: Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Induced Late Severe Cytokine Release Syndrome

Background

Severe cytokine release syndrome (sCRS) has emerged as an adverse complication in the early period of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CART) therapy, while whether sCRS occurs in the late period remains unknown. Here, we reported two patients with late sCRS.

Case Presentation

Case 1 was a 34-year-old female with refractory Philadelphia chromosome-positive B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She achieved complete remission (CR) but experienced grade III CRS and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) 41 days after CD19-targeted CART (CART19) cells and CD22-targeted CART (CART22) cells infusion. Ineffective to tocilizumab and HLH-94 protocol (dexamethasone and etoposide), she died of a cerebral hemorrhage on day 55 after CART therapy. Case 2 was a 38-year-old male with IgG kappa multiple myeloma. He received autologous BCMA-targeted CART (BCMA-CART) therapy 4 months after HLA–matched sibling (sister) donor transplantation and developed grade III CRS 163 days after CART administration, characterized by fever, hypotension, and skin lesions. Effective to methylprednisolone and tocilizumab, his clinical response persisted for over 6.0 months.

Conclusion

Severe CRS could occur in the late period after CART therapy as re-expansion of CART cells possessed the potential risk for late sCRS.

A Review of Cancer Immunotherapy Toxicity II: Adoptive Cellular Therapies, Kinase Inhibitors, Monoclonal Antibodies, and Oncolytic Viruses

Immunotherapy for cancer has undergone a rapid expansion in classes, agents, and indications. By utilizing aspects of the body's innate immune system, immunotherapy has improved life expectancy and quality of life for patients with several types of cancer. Adoptive cellular therapies, including chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy, involve the genetic engineering of patient T cells to allow for targeting of neoplastic cells. Monitoring of patients during the lymphodepletion prior to therapy and following CAR T cell infusion is necessary to detect toxicity of therapy. Specific toxicities include cytokine release syndrome and neurologic toxicity, both of which may be life-threatening. Tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids should be considered for moderate to severe toxicity. Kinase inhibitor toxicity can occur as "on target" effects or "off target" effects to multiple organ systems due to shared protein epitopes. Treatments are organ-specific. Infusion reactions are common during treatment with monoclonal antibodies and treatment is largely supportive. Clinical experience with oncolytic viruses is limited, but local reactions including cellulitis as well as systemic influenza-like syndromes have been seen but are typically mild. Although clinical experience with adverse effects due to newer immunotherapy agents is growing, an up-to-date understanding of their mechanisms and potential toxicities is critical.

Cutaneous manifestations of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy: An introduction for dermatologists

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy is an emerging immunotherapy with promising efficacy for the treatment of previously refractory or relapsed malignancies. As a personalized medicine approach, T cells are genetically engineered to express a receptor designed to bind a specific tumor antigen, leading to selective immune-mediated destruction of tumor cells. Due to the novelty of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, the safety profile continues to evolve with limited information currently available on cutaneous adverse events. Improved understanding of the spectrum of cutaneous adverse events may facilitate earlier recognition and appropriate management of these toxicities. To explore this knowledge gap, we discuss the available case reports and clinical trial results of cutaneous reactions associated with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy.

Treatment of pemphigus vulgaris: part 2 - emerging therapies

Introduction: Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents have been the mainstay for the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris (PV). While they have benefited patients, they have been associated with the risks of prolonged immune suppression and a high incidence of significant and catastrophic side effects. Relapses are common. Novel agents promising targeted therapies, that may provide better outcomes, are being studied. Areas covered: Recently rituximab with corticosteroids has been recommended as the first-line treatment for PV. A number of known and new therapeutic agents currently investigated are BAFF, P13K, BTK inhibitors along with the use of IVIg and CAR-T therapy. The possible role of these therapeutic targets in the pathophysiology appears to be the rationale for the treatment of this potentially fatal disease. Expert opinion: While there is significant enthusiasm for these therapies, certain concerns and consequences are being under-discussed. None of the current clinical trials in progress are specific for PV, except possibly CAR-T therapy. The major issue(s) that are unclear is whether these therapies would be successful in providing long-term clinical remissions. Will these therapies require additional agents to be effective? Will the benefits be limited in duration? The answers to many questions will determine their final place in the algorithm for the treatment of PV.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell toxicity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chimeric antigen receptor -(CAR) T-cell therapy has become a commonly used immunotherapy originally used in the treatment of B-cell leukemias but which are now applied broadly across tumor classes. Although high rates of remission are associated with CAR T-cell therapy, toxicities associated with these novel treatment regimens can be lethal if not recognized in a timely manner.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity are the two most common toxicities associated with CAR T-cell therapy. Cytokine release syndrome is characterized by a flu-like illness accompanied by significant hemodynamic instability; treatments include administration of tocilizumab and corticosteroids. Neurotoxicity is associated with nonpattern-specific neurological changes and can rapidly progress to a comatose state from cerebral edema and death. Other potential toxicities from CAR T-cell therapy include tumor lysis syndrome, B-cell aplasia, graft versus host disease, and dermatological eruptions.

SUMMARY

Clinical awareness of CAR T-cell toxicities is important because prompt treatment leads to improved survival and remission rates.

Research Techniques Made Simple: CAR T-Cell Therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and chimeric autoantibody receptor T-cell therapy hold great promise in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease, respectively. This powerful technique involves genetically engineering T lymphocytes to enable selective destruction of disease-causing cells. In the current approach, a patient's T cells are genetically engineered to express an antigen-specific antibody fragment fused to activating cytoplasmic T-cell signaling domains. After ex vivo activation and genetic modification of a patient's own T cells, the individually tailored CAR T cells are then infused into the patient for the selective destruction of cells bearing the targeted antigen. CAR T cells directed against the CD19 antigen expressed on B lymphoma cells have shown remarkable clinical efficacy in the treatment of refractory lymphoma, with two anti-CD19 CAR-T products recently gaining approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. For dermatological disease, preliminary studies have shown efficacy of CAR T cells in targeting melanoma cells and the pathogenic B cells in pemphigus vulgaris. Despite its great promise, current clinical CAR T-cell (or CAR-T) therapy carries a high risk of cytokine release syndrome, a potentially fatal systemic inflammatory response that can be manifest in cutaneous findings. For the dermatologist, the rapid clinical emergence of CAR-T therapy promises to treat and cure a variety of dermatological conditions, but it also requires an astute awareness of potential cutaneous complications in the increasing number of patients undergoing CAR-T therapy.