Retrospective analysis of clinical features of pembrolizumab induced psoriasis

To explore the clinical features of pembrolizumab induced psoriasis to provide reference for the optimal treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced psoriasis. Clinical reports of pembrolizumab induced psoriasis were collected by searching the database until January 31, 2025. The clinical data extracted from the collected articles were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 42 patients were included, 76.2% male, with a median age of 69 years (range 28, 83). These patients included 21 (50.0%) patients with new-onset psoriasis and 21 (50.0%) patients with pre-existing psoriasis. The duration of onset of psoriasis was 8 weeks (range 0.4, 108), and the duration of onset of new psoriasis was longer than that of preexisting psoriasis (9 weeks vs. 7.2 weeks). Plaque psoriasis (38.1%) and psoriatis vulgaris (33.3%) were the most commonly reported phenotypes. After discontinuation or continuation of medication, 90.5% of patients experienced partial or complete improvement of skin symptoms after receiving topical, biologics, and oral systemic treatments. Pembrolizumab induced psoriasis can lead to various types of psoriasis, mainly in elderly and male patients. The pathogenesis and optimal treatment of Pembrolizumab in psoriasis require further investigation.