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Reardon RM, Perlman KL, Asdourian MS, Shah N, Jacoby TV, Thompson LL, Reynolds KL, Semenov YR, Chen ST. Associations between dermatologic immune-related adverse event morphologies and systemic immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive treatment: A large retrospective cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol 2024:S0190-9622(24)00309-8. [PMID: 38341147 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2024.01.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Reardon
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Katherine L Perlman
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Maria S Asdourian
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nishi Shah
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ted V Jacoby
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leah L Thompson
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kerry L Reynolds
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yevgeniy R Semenov
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Steven T Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Merli M, Accorinti M, Romagnuolo M, Marzano A, Di Zenzo G, Moro F, Antiga E, Maglie R, Cozzani E, Parodi A, Gasparini G, Sollena P, De Simone C, Caproni M, Pisano L, Fattore D, Balestri R, Sena P, Vezzoli P, Teoli M, Ardigò M, Vassallo C, Michelerio A, Satta RR, Dika E, Melotti B, Ribero S, Quaglino P. Autoimmune bullous dermatoses in cancer patients treated by immunotherapy: a literature review and Italian multicentric experience. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1208418. [PMID: 37547602 PMCID: PMC10400335 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1208418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous immune-related adverse events are frequently associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) administration in cancer patients. In fact, these monoclonal antibodies bind the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 and programmed cell death-1/ligand 1 leading to a non-specific activation of the immune system against both tumoral cells and self-antigens. The skin is the most frequently affected organ system appearing involved especially by inflammatory manifestations such as maculopapular, lichenoid, psoriatic, and eczematous eruptions. Although less common, ICI-induced autoimmune blistering diseases have also been reported, with an estimated overall incidence of less than 5%. Bullous pemphigoid-like eruption is the predominant phenotype, while lichen planus pemphigoides, pemphigus vulgaris, and mucous membrane pemphigoid have been described anecdotally. Overall, they have a wide range of clinical presentations and often overlap with each other leading to a delayed diagnosis. Achieving adequate control of skin toxicity in these cases often requires immunosuppressive systemic therapies and/or interruption of ICI treatment, presenting a therapeutic challenge in the context of cancer management. In this study, we present a case series from Italy based on a multicenter, retrospective, observational study, which included 45 patients treated with ICIs who developed ICI-induced bullous pemphigoid. In addition, we performed a comprehensive review to identify the cases reported in the literature on ICI-induced autoimmune bullous diseases. Several theories seeking their underlying pathogenesis have been reported and this work aims to better understand what is known so far on this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Merli
- Dermatology Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Accorinti
- Dermatology Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maurizio Romagnuolo
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Marzano
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Zenzo
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata (IDI)-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Moro
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata (IDI)-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emiliano Antiga
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto Maglie
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cozzani
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Aurora Parodi
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Gasparini
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pietro Sollena
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Clara De Simone
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dermatology Unit, University Department of Medicine and Translational Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Caproni
- Immunopathology and Rare Skin Diseases Unit, Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Toscana Centro, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luigi Pisano
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Toscana Centro, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Davide Fattore
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Balestri
- Division of Dermatology, Outpatient Consultation for Rare Diseases, APSS, Trento, Italy
| | - Paolo Sena
- Dermatology Unit ASST-Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Pamela Vezzoli
- Dermatology Unit ASST-Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Miriam Teoli
- Porphyria and Rare Diseases, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ardigò
- Porphyria and Rare Diseases, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Vassallo
- Dermatology Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Michelerio
- Dermatology Unit, Ospedale Cardinal Massaia, Asti, Italy
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosanna Rita Satta
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Emi Dika
- Melanoma Center, Dermatology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Melotti
- Oncology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Ribero
- Dermatology Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Dermatology Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Duraisamy P, Panicker VV, Jose WM. Characterization and Prognostic Significance of Cutaneous Immune-Related Adverse Events in Indian Patients on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy. Dermatol Pract Concept 2023; 13:e2023127. [PMID: 37557151 PMCID: PMC10412045 DOI: 10.5826/dpc.1303a127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cutaneous immune-related adverse-events (cIRAEs), commonly seen in cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are reported to be associated with better patient survival; however, they have seldom been studied in Indian population. Recent reports suggest racial differences in IRAEs and also in survival outcomes. OBJECTIVES To study the various cIRAEs in Indian patients on ICI therapy and to analyze the association between cIRAEs and patient survival outcomes. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 86 cancer patients receiving immunotherapies in a tertiary care hospital in India and studied incidence, nature and grades of cutaneous immune-related adverse events and the association of cIRAEs with the patient survival outcomes. RESULTS Eighty-six patients were included, of whom 16 patients (18.6%) developed cIRAEs, with pruritus (12.8%) and maculopapular eruption (8.1%) being the most common. Kaplan-Meier plot with log-rank test showed that patients developing any type of cIRAE had longer progression-free survival than those without (P = 0.023) and a better objective-response-rate (50% versus 18.5%, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS Most common cIRAEs in our study were pruritus and maculopapular rash. The incidence of cIRAEs was lower in our Indian cohort compared to that reported in Caucasian cohorts. Development of cutaneous immune-related adverse event in cancer patients on ICI was associated with a longer progression-free-survival and a better objective-response-rate. Thus, cIRAEs may serve as a surrogate marker for better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Duraisamy
- Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India
| | | | - Wesley Mannirathil Jose
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India
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Chang ALS, Zaba L, Kwong BY. Immunotherapy for keratinocyte cancers. Part II: Identification and management of cutaneous side effects of immunotherapy treatments. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 88:1243-1255. [PMID: 37268391 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.07.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Keratinocytic cancers (KCs), specifically cutaneous squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas, can respond to topical, intralesional, or systemic immunotherapies, but cutaneous adverse events (CAEs) may occur. Understanding these risks, early recognition of these CAEs, and effective treatment may enable patients to continue their anticancer immunotherapies without dose impact. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related CAEs after KCs can have multiple clinical presentations, with specific observed types including psoriasis and bullous pemphigoid. Cutaneous toxicities can require biopsies to confirm the diagnosis, especially in patients who are not responsive to topical or oral steroids, since the selection of biologic drugs depends on accurate diagnosis. Different types of CAEs from immune checkpoint inhibitors have been associated with different oncologic outcomes in various primary cancer types, and this remains to be determined for KC patients. CAE characterization and management after immune checkpoint inhibitors in KC patients is a rapidly growing field that needs specific and prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Lynn S Chang
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Redwood City, California.
| | - Lisa Zaba
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Redwood City, California
| | - Bernice Y Kwong
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Redwood City, California
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Nikolaou V, Tsimpidakis A, Stratigos A. Cutaneous Adverse Reactions of Immunotherapy in Patients with Advanced Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072084. [PMID: 37046745 PMCID: PMC10093334 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Luangnara A, Kiratikanon S, Ketpueak T, Suksombooncharoen T, Charoentum C, Chewaskulyong B, Tovanabutra N, Chiewchanvit S, Nochaiwong S, Chuamanochan M. Incidence and factors associated with cutaneous immune-related adverse events to immune check point inhibitors: An ambispective cohort study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:965550. [PMID: 36341419 PMCID: PMC9630333 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.965550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become the frontline treatment option for patients with various advanced cancers due to improved survival, they can be associated with a spectrum of cutaneous immune-related adverse events (cirAEs). However, little is known regarding the occurrence and patterns of cirAE-related ICI therapy in patients of different races other than white populations. Therefore, we investigated the incidence and associated factors of cirAEs among cancer patients in northern Thailand. Methods A referral-center-based ambispective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2017, to March 31, 2021. Based on a linked database and merged patient-level data, adult patients with pathologically confirmed cancer who were diagnosed and received ICI therapy regardless of cancer type and followed up through August 31, 2021, were included. All cirAE-related ICI therapy was based on clinical evaluation and ascertainment by a board-certified dermatologist. The incidence of cirAE-related ICI therapy with confidence intervals (CIs) across cancer- and ICI therapy-specific groups was estimated. Factors associated with cirAEs were evaluated using multivariable modified Poisson regression to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs. Results The study included 112 patients (67 men [59.8%]; mean age, 65.0 [range, 31.0-88.0] years), who were mainly diagnosed with lung cancer (56.3%), followed by liver cancer (19.6%). The overall incidence of cirAE-related ICI therapy was 32.1% (95% CI, 24.1-41.4); however, there was no substantial difference in sex, cancer type, or individual ICI therapy. The two identified prognostic risk factors of cirAE-related ICI therapy were age >75 years (adjusted RR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.09-4.15; P=0.027) and pre-existing chronic kidney disease stages 3-4 (adjusted RR, 3.52; 95% CI, 2.33-5.31; P<0.001). Conclusions The incidence of cirAE-related ICI therapy among Thai cancer patients was comparable to that in white populations. Early identification, particularly in elderly patients and those with CKD, should be implemented in clinical practice to help optimize therapeutic decision-making and patient health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salin Kiratikanon
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Thanika Ketpueak
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Chaiyut Charoentum
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Busyamas Chewaskulyong
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Napatra Tovanabutra
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Siri Chiewchanvit
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Statistics Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Surapon Nochaiwong
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Statistics Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Mati Chuamanochan, ; Surapon Nochaiwong,
| | - Mati Chuamanochan
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Statistics Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Mati Chuamanochan, ; Surapon Nochaiwong,
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Thompson LL, Said JT, Li EB, Yoon J, Krasnow NA, Molina GE, Polyakov NJ, Foreman RK, LeBoeuf NR, Chen ST. Diagnostic accuracy of general dermatologists and supportive oncodermatologists for biopsied cutaneous immune-related adverse events. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:7827-7831. [PMID: 35804176 PMCID: PMC9993019 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07233-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Supportive oncodermatology has been shown to improve several aspects of care for patients with cancer, but research showing improved diagnostic accuracy as a benefit of supportive oncodermatology is largely lacking. We thus aimed to evaluate different dermatologist groups' diagnostic accuracy for heterogenous cutaneous toxicities, using cutaneous immune-related adverse events (cirAEs) from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as a test model. METHODS Billing/requisition codes were used to identify patients who initiated programmed death-1/ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) ICIs between 2010 and 2019 at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women's Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital and underwent a subsequent skin biopsy. For each biopsied cirAE, pre-biopsy clinical diagnoses and post-biopsy clinico-pathologic diagnoses were retrospectively obtained from the medical record. Each biopsy-ordering dermatology provider was categorized as a general dermatologist or supportive oncodermatologist on the basis of providing clinical care within a cancer-center or attending on a hospital/clinic service dedicated to anti-cancer drug-related skin toxicities. RESULTS Of 4,183 patients who initiated anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy between 2010 and 2019, 101 (2.4%) patients collectively had 104 biopsied cirAEs. In more than one-third of all reviewed biopsied cirAEs (n = 39, 37.5%), histopathology results frequently led to revision of the pre-biopsy clinical diagnosis. The rate of initial cirAE misclassification amongst supportive oncodermatologists was significantly lower than that amongst general dermatologists (18/66, 27.3% vs. 21/38, 55.3%; Fischer's-exact-test p = 0.006). CONCLUSION Experienced supportive oncodermatologists may benefit patient care through increased diagnostic accuracy for skin toxicities from ICIs. Collectively, these results underscore that both skin biopsy from any dermatology provider and oncodermatology referral (where available) are valuable resources that should be integrated into supportive cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah L Thompson
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jordan T Said
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital & Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MB, 02215, USA
| | - Edward B Li
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jaewon Yoon
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Nira A Krasnow
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Gabriel E Molina
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Nicole J Polyakov
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Ruth K Foreman
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Nicole R LeBoeuf
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital & Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MB, 02215, USA.
- Center for Cutaneous Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Steven T Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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Fane LS, Efird JT, Jindal C, Biswas T. Dermatological Autoimmune Considerations of Immune Checkpoint Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102339. [PMID: 36289601 PMCID: PMC9598603 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common immune-related adverse events (irAEs) involve the skin, and several serve as predictors of response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, especially in melanoma. Patients with pre-existing skin autoimmune diseases (ADs) have been excluded from ICI studies for safety concerns, yet recent research has shown that dermatological ADs can be managed without discontinuing ICI therapy. Patients with ADs respond as well or better to ICIs and can be included as candidates in clinical trials. Frequently taken during ICI therapy, steroids impair immunotherapy efficacy in certain anatomical sites of tumors but not others, including the brain. ICI efficacy can be enhanced by radiotherapy without increasing adverse events, as neoadjuvant radiotherapy is thought to sensitize tumors to ICIs. This perspective highlights clinical autoimmune considerations of ICI therapy in melanoma and discusses important areas for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren S. Fane
- MD University Program, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44016, USA
| | - Jimmy T. Efird
- VA Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, Boston, MA 02130, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44015, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Charulata Jindal
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tithi Biswas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44015, USA
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44015, USA
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