Lupus-like cutaneous reaction following pembrolizumab: An immune-related adverse event associated with anti-PD-1 therapy

J Cutan Pathol. 2018 Jan;45(1):74-77. doi: 10.1111/cup.13059. Epub 2017 Nov 10.

Abstract

PD-1 (programmed cell death-1) inhibitors, used to treat metastatic melanoma and other malignancies, are associated with development of immune-related adverse events in the skin. Such reactions include morbilliform eruptions, vitiligo, alopecia areata and bullous pemphigoid. In this report, we describe a patient who developed a lupus-like cutaneous reaction in the setting of pembrolizumab therapy for metastatic melanoma, adding to the spectrum of reactions which may be observed in association with PD-1 inhibitor therapy.

Keywords: PD-1 inhibitor; drug reaction; lupus erythematosus; pembrolizumab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / adverse effects*
  • Drug Eruptions / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
  • Middle Aged
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • PDCD1 protein, human
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
  • pembrolizumab