Lichen planus pemphigoides: A unique form of bullous and lichenoid eruptions secondary to nivolumab

Dermatol Ther. 2022 May;35(5):e15432. doi: 10.1111/dth.15432. Epub 2022 Mar 15.

Abstract

The widespread use of PD-1 inhibitors to treat various solid tumors has brought certain challenges for the clinician, including immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Cutaneous toxicities are among the most observed irAEs. Bullous and lichenoid dermatoses following PD-1 inhibitor therapy have been described. Here we report a novel case of lichen planus pemphigoides, featuring characteristics of both bullous pemphigoid and lichen planus, in a patient treated with nivolumab for renal cell carcinoma. We subsequently review all three cutaneous conditions which may arise in the context of PD-1 inhibitor therapy.

Keywords: PD-1 inhibitor; cutaneous adverse reactions to chemotherapy; drug eruptions; nivolumab.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Kidney Neoplasms*
  • Lichen Planus* / chemically induced
  • Lichen Planus* / diagnosis
  • Lichen Planus* / drug therapy
  • Lichenoid Eruptions* / chemically induced
  • Lichenoid Eruptions* / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Nivolumab / adverse effects

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Nivolumab