Immune-related cutaneous adverse events due to checkpoint inhibitors

Abstract

Objective: To familiarize the reader with the most common cutaneous adverse events with immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) and their grading and treatment.

Data sources: Recent research articles, relevant review articles, and case series/reports in English from the PubMed database mostly, from 2010 onward.

Study selections: Most data are from retrospective studies and case series. Older studies regarding the mechanism were included if they were of particular importance.

Results: An understanding of this review should enable the reader to identify specific skin disorders in patients receiving immune CPIs, grade the adverse event, and be able to treat or refer the patient as needed.

Conclusion: Allergists/immunologists need to be familiar with these immune-related cutaneous adverse events because their incidence will increase with the ever-expanding use of CPIs and, in particular, because patients will certainly continue to be referred suspecting drug allergies.