PD-1 inhibitor induced alopecia areata

Dermatol Online J. 2018 Dec 15;24(12):13030/qt2vj8b7cv.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint modulators are becoming more prevalent in clinical use for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and other malignancies. These drugs, including programmed death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors, have a high incidence of immune adverse events, including cutaneous manifestations. Alopecia is a known side effect with these drugs, but previous reports describe chemotherapy-induced alopecia. We report a case of alopecia areata in a patient on monotherapy with pembrolizumab (PD-1 inhibitor). It is important for the dermatologist to recognize and appropriately treat to decrease morbidity for these patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alopecia Areata / chemically induced*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • pembrolizumab