Two cases of dupilumab-responsive Kimura disease

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2024 Apr 23;49(5):502-506. doi: 10.1093/ced/llad455.

Abstract

Kimura disease (KD) is a rare, chronic angiolymphoproliferative inflammatory disease appearing to be mostly restricted to the skin and soft tissue. Cutaneous involvement of KD includes head and/or neck nodules showing suggestive histological features, frequently associated with an atopic dermatitis-like or prurigo-like presentation. KD is challenging to treat, with high rate of recurrence using current therapeutic strategies. Evidence for involvement of a T-helper type 2 (Th2) immune response in KD pathogenesis has been found in previous studies. Consequently, this study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of dupilumab, a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits signalling of key Th2 cytokines, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, within a single-centre cohort of patients with cutaneous KD. Two adults with a diagnosis of refractory (failure of at least one treatment line) cutaneous-restricted KD based on clinical, biological, histological, molecular and imaging findings received dupilumab for KD, and showed dramatic response with a good safety profile.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized* / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-13 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Interleukin-4
  • Kimura Disease* / drug therapy
  • Kimura Disease* / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • dupilumab
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interleukin-13