Cutaneous adverse reactions to anti-PD-1 treatment-A systematic review

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Nov;83(5):1415-1424. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.058. Epub 2020 Apr 19.

Abstract

The use of the humanized monoclonal anti-programmed cell death 1 antibodies pembrolizumab and nivolumab as potent anticancer therapies is rapidly increasing. However, since their approval, numerous cases of cutaneous reactions have been reported. Cutaneous adverse reactions to these agents have yet to be fully characterized and range from nonspecific eruptions to recognizable skin manifestations, which may be localized and vary from mild to life threatening. This systematic review article provides an overview of the various adverse cutaneous reactions to pembrolizumab and nivolumab therapy and offers suggestions for their management.

Keywords: anti–PD-1; cutaneous adverse reaction; dermatology; immunotherapy; oncology.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / adverse effects*
  • Drug Eruptions / epidemiology
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Nivolumab / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Nivolumab
  • pembrolizumab