Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
06:15
Author Spotlight: Anterior HR-OCT as a Non-Invasive Tool for Characterizing Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
Published on: August 9, 2024
1.9K
Eruptive Keratoacanthomas Associated With Pembrolizumab Therapy
Azael Freites-Martinez1, Bernice Y Kwong2, Kerri E Rieger3
1Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
JAMA Dermatology
|May 4, 2017
Summary
Eruptive keratoacanthomas (KAs) are a newly reported side effect of pembrolizumab therapy. Topical and intralesional corticosteroids, with or without cryosurgery, effectively treated these KAs, allowing continued cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Pembrolizumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor used for various cancers.
- Dermatologic adverse events are common with pembrolizumab therapy.
- Eruptive keratoacanthomas (KAs) have not been previously reported with pembrolizumab.
Observation:
- Three patients receiving pembrolizumab developed eruptive KAs on sun-exposed areas.
- Lesional biopsies showed a lichenoid infiltrate with T and B cells, and few PD-1+ cells.
- These immunophenotypic findings resemble other anti-PD-1-induced lichenoid dermatitis.
Findings:
- Eruptive KAs associated with pembrolizumab were observed in 3 patients.
- Treatment with clobetasol ointment and intralesional triamcinolone, with or without cryosurgery, led to complete resolution.
- Pembrolizumab therapy was continued without interruption in all cases, with successful cancer treatment outcomes.
Implications:
- Pembrolizumab therapy can be associated with eruptive KAs.
- Corticosteroid treatment is effective for managing these KAs.
- Management strategies allow for continued pembrolizumab therapy and cancer treatment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
6.4K
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
6.4K
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
2.1K
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
2.1K
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
5.3K
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
5.3K