Creation of a tool to evaluate supportive care

RATIONAL

The absence of a specific tool to evaluate the impact of supportive care in general and socioesthetics (SE) in particular is undoubtedly at the origin of the lack of published research based on scientific standards.

OBJECTIVE

We developed a supportive-care, patient-reported outcome questionnaire using the multistep methods, following COSMIN recommendations.

METHODS

The Patient Centricity Questionnaire (PCQ) was developed using the standardized methodology for designing patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires according to the following steps: elaboration of the questionnaire, measurement properties of the questionnaire, internal and external validation, test-retest validation and translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and cognitive debriefing. A multidisciplinary work group was designed including professionals, such as physicians, public health experts, sociologists, supportive-care experts, and socioestheticians.

RESULTS

Our questionnaire includes 11 items. It is scored by adding each Visual Analogue Scale [VAS], making it range from 0 to 110, with a higher benefit when the score is higher. The Cronbach's α coefficient is 0.88 for the entire questionnaire. As the questionnaire is a reflection of the patient's feelings, it is quite natural that the name "Patient Centricity Questionnaire" (PCQ) was retained and validated by the Scientific Committee. The PCQ correlated negatively and moderately with the Perceived Stress Scale [PSS], positively and moderately with the mental dimension of the Short Form-12, and poorly with the Well Beng 12 [WB12], the physical dimension of the SF-12, and the satisfaction VAS.

CONCLUSION

Constructed according to the recommendations, the PCQ meets the prerequisite for this type of questionnaire. Its short format and simplicity of use allow it to be used by a large number of people. The PCQ is a simple, reliable, easy-to-use, and validated tool for research teams, making it possible for randomized studies to prove the impact of supportive care in general and SE in particular, on the patient's quality of life.

Impact of surgical margins on survival in cutaneous sarcomas: A nationwide study of French Sarcoma Group (FSG) from NETSARC Database

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Background: R0 surgery in reference centers is the cornerstone for sarcomas treatment with better local control and survival and is mandatory for ESMO-EURACAN and NCCN guidelines. The medical community is out on this issue for cutaneous sarcomas, if they have to follow suit. This retrospective descriptive study focused on margin status and local relapse-free survival (LRFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients (pts) with cutaneous sarcomas. Methods: Between 01/01/10 and 30/12/17, surgery was performed on 2044 pts with cutaneous sarcomas from 20 centers. Data were collected from the NETSARC national network database ( http://netsarc.sarcomabcb.org ). Diagnosis of cutaneous sarcoma was reviewed and histologically confirmed by a local expert pathologist of RRePS (“Network for expert pathology diagnosis in sarcoma”). Dermatofibrosarcoma, Kaposi sarcoma and rare subtypes (< 20 cases in the database) were excluded. Univariate analyses were conducted using log rank test or Cox test. Multivariate analyses were conducted using Cox test. Age and tumor size were analyzed as continuous values. Two-sided significant p level was set at < 0.05. Results: Mean age was 66 years. Primary tumor was localized in lower limb, trunk wall, head and neck and upper limb for 30%, 26%, 26% and 18% pts respectively. Main subtypes were leiomyosarcoma, undifferentiated sarcoma, and myxofibrosarcoma for 29%, 29%, and 14% pts respectively. Angiosarcoma was the subtype of 9% of the patients (n = 193). Mean size was 45 mm. FNCLCC grade was 1, 2, and 3 for 14%, 29.5%, and 24% tumors respectively. Before surgery, imaging and biopsy were performed for 21% and 51% pts respectively. Surgery was carried out in a NETSARC center for 26% of the pts. Margin status after initial surgery was R0, R1, and R2 for 35% (n = 724), 34% (n = 696), and 12% pts (n = 246) respectively. Re-excision was performed for 34% (703/2044 pts), leading to a subsequent R0 margin for 74% of them (523/703 pts, equivalent to 26% of the overall population). Local relapse occurred for 21% of pts after a median time of 10 months. Metastatic relapse occurred for 13% of pts after a median time of 11 months. One hundred and ninety-three pts (9%) died. Median follow-up was 12 months. In multivariate analyses, statistically significant favorable prognostic factors for LRFS were: young age, small tumor size and non-angiosarcoma subtype. Significant prognostic factors associated with longer OS were: young age, small tumor size, non-angiosarcoma subtype, FNCLCC grade (1 vs 2 and 1 vs 3) and initial R0 surgery. Conclusions: Cutaneous sarcomas share same favorable clinical prognostic factors than non-cutaneous sarcomas. Quality of surgery remains the mainstay for OS.

Association of Anti-Programmed Cell Death 1 Antibody Treatment With Risk of Recurrence of Toxic Effects After Immune-Related Adverse Events of Ipilimumab in Patients With Metastatic Melanoma

Importance

Since 2011, many patients with metastatic melanoma have been treated with ipilimumab therapy and have developed severe immune-related adverse events (AEs). Because several immune therapies are now available to treat metastatic melanoma, a better knowledge of mechanisms and recurrence risks of immune-related AEs is needed before reintroduction of immunotherapies.

Objectives

To evaluate the risk of a recurrence of immune toxic effects associated with anti-programmed cell death 1 antibody (anti-PD-1) therapy after discontinuation of ipilimumab monotherapy because of severe AEs.

Design, Settings, and Participants

This cohort study conducted at 19 French melanoma referral centers included patients with metastatic melanoma who experienced severe immune-related AEs after ipilimumab therapy and then were treated with anti-PD-1 therapy between February 1, 2013, and December 31, 2016. The study cutoff was June 1, 2017. Statistical analysis was performed from June 1, 2016, to August 31, 2017.

Exposures

Monotherapy with at least 1 cycle of ipilimumab that was associated with a grade 3 or 4 immune-related AE and subsequent treatment with at least 1 cycle of an anti-PD-1 (nivolumab or pembrolizumab) therapy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the rate of immune-related AEs associated with anti-PD-1 therapy. Secondary outcomes were characteristics of ipilimumab-related and anti-PD-1 immune-related AEs and overall response rate and overall survival associated with anti-PD-1 therapy.

Results

Of 56 patients with metastatic melanoma included in the study, all of whom experienced severe immune-related AEs after ipilimumab therapy (31 [55%] male; mean [SD] age, 64 [14.9] years), 20 (36%) experienced at least 1 immune-related AE associated with pembrolizumab (6 of 20 [30%]) or nivolumab (14 of 20 [70%]) therapy. A total of 12 patients (21%) experienced grade 3 or 4 immune-related AEs, and among these patients, 4 (33%) presented with the same immune-related AE as with ipilimumab therapy. Severe immune-related AEs were resolved with use of systemic corticosteroids (7 [58%]) and/or anti-tumor necrosis factor (1 [8%]), and no grade 5 toxic effects were reported. Five patients discontinued anti-PD-1 therapy because of immune-related AEs. The overall response rate was 43%, with a median overall survival of 21 months (interquartile range, 18 to ongoing).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings suggest that anti-PD-1 therapy may be associated with reduced risk of toxic effects and improved survival among patients who have experienced severe toxic effects after ipilimumab therapy.

Immune checkpoint-mediated psoriasis: A multicenter European study of 115 patients from the European Network for Cutaneous Adverse Event to Oncologic Drugs (ENCADO) group

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-mediated psoriasis poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

OBJECTIVE

To report data on ICI-mediated psoriasis, emerging from the largest cohort to date, to our knowledge, and to propose a step-by-step management algorithm.

METHODS

The medical records of all patients with ICI-mediated psoriasis were retrospectively reviewed across 9 institutions.

RESULTS

We included a cohort of 115 individuals. Grade 1, 2, and 3 disease severity was reported in 60 of 105 (57.1%, 10 missing data), 34 of 105 (32.4%), and 11 of 105 (10.5%), respectively. The ratio between exacerbation and de novo cases was 1:4.3. The most common systemic therapy was acitretin (23 patients, 20.1%), followed by systemic steroids (8 patients, 7%), apremilast (7 patients, 6.1%), methotrexate (5 patients, 4.3%) and biologics (4 patients, 3.6%). Overall, 29 of 112 patients (25.9%) interrupted and 20 of 111 (18%) permanently discontinued ICIs because of psoriasis. Body surface area of greater than 10% at baseline had a 3.6 increased risk for ICI treatment modification (odds ratio, 3.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-10.45; P = .03) and a 6.4 increased risk for permanent discontinuation (odds ratio, 6.41; 95% confidence interval, 2.40-17.11; P < .001). Guttate psoriasis and grade 2 or 3 disease were significant positive predictors for antitumor response of ICI, whereas pruritus was a negative predictor.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective design.

CONCLUSION

Acitretin, apremilast, and methotrexate are safe and effective modalities for ICI-mediated psoriasis. In most cases, ICI can be completed unhindered. A therapeutic algorithm is proposed.

Hyperprogression under Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor: a potential role for germinal immunogenetics

Hyperprogressive disease (HPD), an unexpected acceleration of tumor growth kinetics, is described in cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 agents. Here, our aim was to take into consideration the host and explore whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in key genes involved in immune response might predispose to HPD. DNA was extracted from blood-samples from 98 patients treated under CPI monotherapy. Four candidate genes (PD-1, PD-L1, IDO1 and VEGFR2) and 15 potential SNPs were selected. The TGK_R (ratio of the slope of tumor growth before treatment and the slope of tumor growth on treatment) was calculated. Hyperprogression was defined as a TGK_R≥2. TGK_R calculation was feasible for 80 patients (82%). HPD was observed for 11 patients (14%) and was associated with shorter overall survival (P = 0.003). In univariate analysis, HPD was significantly associated with age ≥70 y (P = 0.025), immune-related toxicity (P = 0.016), VEGFR2 rs1870377 A/T or A/A (P = 0.005), PD-L1 rs2282055 G/T or G/G (P = 0.024) and PD-L1 rs2227981 G/A or A/A (P = 0.024). Multivariate analysis confirmed the correlation between HPD and age ≥70 y (P = 0.006), VEGFR2 rs1870377 A/T or A/A (P = 0.007) and PD-L1 rs2282055 G/T or G/G (P = 0.018). Immunogenetics could become integral predictive factors for CPI-based immunotherapy.

Safety and Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With Cancer and Preexisting Autoimmune Disease: A Nationwide, Multicenter Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for cancer therapy frequently induce immune-related adverse effects (IRAEs). Therefore, most patients with preexisting autoimmune diseases have been excluded from clinical trials of ICIs. This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ICIs in patients with preexisting autoimmune disease and cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2017 to January 2018 via 3 French national networks of experts in oncology and autoimmunity. Adults with preexisting autoimmune disease who were receiving ICIs were assessed for the occurrence of flare of preexisting autoimmune disease, other IRAEs, and cancer response.

RESULTS

The study included 112 patients who were followed up for a median of 8 months. The most frequent preexisting autoimmune diseases were psoriasis (n = 31), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 20), and inflammatory bowel disease (n = 14). Twenty-four patients (22%) were receiving immunosuppressive therapy at ICI initiation. Autoimmune disease flare and/or other IRAE(s) occurred in 79 patients (71%), including flare of preexisting autoimmune disease in 53 patients (47%) and/or other IRAE(s) in 47 patients (42%), with a need for immunosuppressive therapy in 48 patients (43%) and permanent discontinuation of ICI in 24 patients (21%). The median progression-free survival was shorter in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy at ICI initiation (3.8 months versus 12 months; P = 0.006), confirmed by multivariable analysis. The median progression-free survival was shorter in patients who experienced a flare of preexisting autoimmune disease or other IRAE, with a trend toward better survival in the subgroup without immunosuppressant use or ICI discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that flares or IRAEs occur frequently but are mostly manageable without ICI discontinuation in patients with a preexisting autoimmune disease. Immunosuppressive therapy at baseline is associated with poorer outcomes.

Abstract 4548: Host immunogenetics and hyperprogression under PD1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors

Background: Hyperprogressive disease (HPD) has been described in advanced solid tumors patients treated with anti PD1 anti PDL1 monotherapy (Champiat, Clin Can Res 2016; Saada-Bouzid, Ann Oncol, 2017). Our aim was to explore whether host constitutional variations in the nucleotide sequence of genes involved in immune response might be associated with the occurrence of HPD in patients treated with anti PD-(L)1.

Methods : From April to August 2017, 98 patients were treated in the Centre Antoine Lacassagne (Nice, France) with anti PD-(L)1. Potential SNPs for four candidate genes with a minor allele frequency≥ 5% in caucasians were selected according to genome browser data-base: PD1 (rs10204525, rs11568821, rs2227981), PD-L1 (rs2282055, rs2297136, rs2297137, rs4143815, rs10815225), IDO1 (rs3739319, rs3808606, rs373931, rs9657182) and VEGR2 (rs2305948, rs1870377, rs2071559). High through-output genotyping was done by MassARRAY (AGENA). HPD was defined as a TGKR (ratio of the slope of tumor growth before treatment and the slope of tumor growth on treatment) ≥ 2.

Results: Patients were treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (16/98), non-small cell lung cancer (48/98), melanoma (13/98), renal cell carcinoma (14/98) and 7 others. Median age was 66 years old, 33 were male. All tested SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Responses were associated with G3-G4 toxicities (10% vs 42%, p=0.001). TGKR was assessable in 80 patients. HPD was observed in 11/80 (14 %) patients. HPD was significantly associated with age≥70y (6% vs 25%, p=0.02) and genotype for PD1 rs 2227981 (8/32=35% G/G vs 2/43=5% A/G or A/A, p=0.02), PDL1 rs 2282055 (1/37=3% T/T vs 10/43=23% T/G or G/G,p=0.02) and VEGFR2 rs1870377 (2/48=5% T/T vs 9/32=28% T/A or A/A, p=0.005). Multivariate analysis confirmed the association between HPD and VEGFR2 rs1870377 T/A or A/A (OR=15.3, p=0.007), PDL1 rs 2282055 T/G or G/G (OR=18.7, p=0.01) and age≥70y (OR=14.4, p=0.006).). Combining the three alleles at risk for HPD gave an OR =12.4 (p=0.001).

Conclusion: In patients treated with anti PD-(L)1, HPD was independently associated with older age and host related gene variations. Host related immunogenetics could become an integrative part of predictive factor for immunotherapy outcome.

Citation Format: Sadal Refae, Nathalie Ebran, Jocelyn Gal, Josiane Otto, Damien Giacchero, Delphine Borchiellini, Joel Guigay, Frederique Peyrade, Gerard Milano, Esma Saada. Host immunogenetics and hyperprogression under PD1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4548.

Regulation of NADPH-dependent Nitric Oxide and reactive oxygen species signalling in endothelial and melanoma cells by a photoactive NADPH analogue

Nitric Oxide (NO) and Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are endogenous regulators of angiogenesis-related events as endothelial cell proliferation and survival, but NO/ROS defect or unbalance contribute to cancers. We recently designed a novel photoactive inhibitor of NO-Synthases (NOS) called NS1, which binds their NADPH site in vitro. Here, we show that NS1 inhibited NO formed in aortic rings. NS1-induced NO decrease led to an inhibition of angiogenesis in a model of VEGF-induced endothelial tubes formation. Beside this effect, NS1 reduced ROS levels in endothelial and melanoma A375 cells and in aorta. In metastatic melanoma cells, NS1 first induced a strong decrease of VEGF and blocked melanoma cell cycle at G2/M. NS1 decreased NOX₄ and ROS levels that could lead to a specific proliferation arrest and cell death. In contrast, NS1 did not perturb melanocytes growth.

Altogether, NS1 revealed a possible cross-talk between eNOS- and NOX₄ –associated pathways in melanoma cells via VEGF, Erk and Akt modulation by NS1 that could be targeted to stop proliferation. NS1 thus constitutes a promising tool that modulates NO and redox stresses by targeting and directly inhibiting eNOS and, at least indirectly, NADPH oxidase(s), with great potential to control angiogenesis.

Tumour-derived SPARC drives vascular permeability and extravasation through endothelial VCAM1 signalling to promote metastasis

Disruption of the endothelial barrier by tumour-derived secreted factors is a critical step in cancer cell extravasation and metastasis. Here, by comparative proteomic analysis of melanoma secretomes, we identify the matricellular protein SPARC as a novel tumour-derived vascular permeability factor. SPARC deficiency abrogates tumour-initiated permeability of lung capillaries and prevents extravasation, whereas SPARC overexpression enhances vascular leakiness, extravasation and lung metastasis. SPARC-induced paracellular permeability is dependent on the endothelial VCAM1 receptor and p38 MAPK signalling. Blocking VCAM1 impedes melanoma-induced endothelial permeability and extravasation. The clinical relevance of our findings is highlighted by high levels of SPARC detected in tumour from human pulmonary melanoma lesions. Our study establishes tumour-produced SPARC and VCAM1 as regulators of cancer extravasation, revealing a novel targetable interaction for prevention of metastasis.

Secretome from senescent melanoma engages the STAT3 pathway to favor reprogramming of naive melanoma towards a tumor-initiating cell phenotype

Here, we showed that the secretome of senescent melanoma cells drives basal melanoma cells towards a mesenchymal phenotype, with characteristic of stems illustrated by increased level of the prototype genes FN1, SNAIL, OCT4 and NANOG. This molecular reprogramming leads to an increase in the low-MITF and slow-growing cell population endowed with melanoma-initiating cell features. The secretome of senescent melanoma cells induces a panel of 52 genes, involved in cell movement and cell/cell interaction, among which AXL and ALDH1A3 have been implicated in melanoma development. We found that the secretome of senescent melanoma cells activates the STAT3 pathway and STAT3 inhibition prevents secretome effects, including the acquisition of tumorigenic properties. Collectively, the findings provide insights into how the secretome of melanoma cells entering senescence upon chemotherapy treatments increases the tumorigenicity of naïve melanoma cells by inducing, through STAT3 activation, a melanoma-initiating cell phenotype that could favor chemotherapy resistance and relapse.

Metformin blocks melanoma invasion and metastasis development in AMPK/p53-dependent manner

Metformin was reported to inhibit the proliferation of many cancer cells, including melanoma cells. In this report, we investigated the effect of metformin on melanoma invasion and metastasis development. Using different in vitro approaches, we found that metformin inhibits cell invasion without affecting cell migration and independently of antiproliferation action. This inhibition is correlated with modulation of expression of proteins involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition such as Slug, Snail, SPARC, fibronectin, and N-cadherin and with inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activation. Furthermore, our data indicate that this process is dependent on activation of AMPK and tumor suppressor protein p53. Finally, we showed that metformin inhibits melanoma metastasis development in mice using extravasation and metastasis models. The presented data reinforce the fact that metformin might be a good candidate for clinical trial in melanoma treatment.

Signalling and chemosensitivity assays in melanoma: is mutated status a prerequisite for targeted therapy?

Selection for targeted therapies in melanoma is currently based on the search for mutations in selected genes. We aimed at evaluating the interest of signalling and chemosensitivity studies in addition to genotyping for assessing the best suitable treatment in an individual patient. We extracted genomic DNA and melanoma cells from tumor tissue of a skin metastasis of a 17-year-old woman with stage IV melanoma progressing despite three successive lines of treatment. Despite the absence of mutation in BRAF, NRAS cKIT, the MAPK pathway was activated and a significant response to sorafenib, a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/RAF inhibitor, was found in signalling and chemosensitivity assays. A treatment combining sorafenib and dacarbazine produced a partial response for 9 months, with marked necrosis in some lesions. Chemosensitivity assays and signalling pathway studies could be of great value in addition to genotyping for assessing the most appropriate treatment in melanoma.

308-nm excimer lamp vs. 308-nm excimer laser for treating vitiligo: a randomized study

BACKGROUND

The 308-nm excimer laser and 308-nm excimer lamp have both been shown to be effective in treating vitiligo but a direct comparison has never been performed.

OBJECTIVES

To test the equivalence of these two devices for treating nonsegmental vitiligo.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A randomized monocentric study was undertaken. One lesion was treated with the 308-nm excimer laser and its counterpart with the 308-nm excimer lamp. Lesions were treated twice weekly with the same dose on both sides for a total of 24 sessions. The evaluation was done by two independent physicians blinded to the treatment on direct light and ultraviolet light photos.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were included: 17 completed the study and 104 lesions were treated. The two treatments showed similar results in terms of efficacy for a repigmentation of at least 50% (P = 0.006). The lamp induced more erythema than the laser.

CONCLUSIONS

The 308-nm excimer lamp and laser showed a similar efficacy in treating vitiligo. For the same fluence, the lamp induced more erythema suggesting photobiological differences between the two devices.

Management of adverse skin reactions to anticancer agents: The Gustave Roussy Institute experience

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Background: Anticancer therapies are associated with various and multiple cutaneous side effects frequently impacting patients’ quality of life and sometimes impairing treatment continuation. Some new skin syndromes and their potential relationship with drug efficacy have been the subject of hundreds of publications over the last few years. Methods: All physicians in our institution were informed by mail about the creation of a weekly consultation and the availability of an emergency call number specifically devoted to the management of adverse cutaneous reactions to anticancer agents. Patients could be referred to us from our institute or from other french institutes. All cutaneous side effects were recorded. Type, severity, and duration of symptoms were described. Imputability of the drugs was evaluated according to semiological, chronological and bibliographical criteria. Results: Over a 4 months period, 215 visits have been performed for a total of 128 patients. 169 events were reported among which 123 were considered to be imputable to the drugs. Several new cutaneous side effects were identified. Hiring a beautician and a pedicure for aesthetic complaints or hand foot skin reactions has been necessary in several cases. Causative agents were mostly targeted therapies (76.4%). Topical (n=132) or systemic treatments (n=45) were prescribed. Temporary dose reduction or treatment interruption was recommended in 18 cases (10.6%). This pilot experience was highly appreciated by both patients and physicians. It was consolidated as a permanent organization at the frontier between oncology and dermatology with the creation of an adapted case report form (CRF). Conclusions: There is a real need for dermatological management of skin side effects in a cancer institute, especially if early trials testing new agents are performed. Dedicated collaboration between oncologists and dermatologists should be promoted as well as the creation of a global skin-oriented CRF in order to facilitate international collaborations and to evaluate the impact of this dermatological management on compliance to treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

New-onset psoriatic palmoplantaris pustulosis following infliximab therapy: a class effect?

Reports of induction or exacerbation of psoriatic palmoplantaris pustulosis (PPPP) after anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) treatment are few. We describe 2 new cases of PPPP induced by infliximab. In 1999, a total of 442 patients in our department received anti-TNF-alpha treatment for a variety of chronic rheumatic conditions and were regularly followed. Medical records for 166 given infliximab were retrospectively reviewed for disease [rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondylarthropathies (SpA) including psoriatic arthritis], disease duration, clinical characteristics, skin side-effects, and use of other potentially relevant medications. PPPP was observed in 2 patients treated with infliximab for symmetrical rheumatoid factor-positive RA; the patients had no personal or family history of psoriasis. In both cases, pustulosis appeared after several months of infliximab administration. There was no clinical, biological, or radiological evidence to support a diagnosis of psoriatic SpA. Both patients fulfilled ACR criteria for RA, and there was no reason to suspect previously unidentified psoriasis. Comorbid RA and psoriasis are unusual, and our patients exhibited a clear link between anti-TNF-alpha administration and cutaneous lesions, suggesting a direct effect in both cases. The 28 published cases of PPPP induced by anti-TNF-alpha treatment report lesions that tend towards pustulosis and palmoplantar localization. The mechanisms involved remain elusive. Disappearance of lesions in our second patient when switched to a soluble receptor suggests a molecule-specific side effect, while the literature describing variable reaction to switching anti-TNF agents, and/or their discontinuation and reintroduction, indicates otherwise. Given the rarity of this side effect, its elucidation will require systematic study.