Comparative analysis of immunotherapy responses in small cell lung cancer patients with dermatomyositis

When considering the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) with accompanying Dermatomyositis (DM), it's essential to evaluate the anticancer effect, the risk of immune-related adverse effects (irAEs), and the potential for worsening of DM. Additionally, factors such as the patient's overweight status, the severity of the initial skin lesions, and the Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels should be taken into account. AbstractCancer-associated dermatomyositis (CAD), a paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by dermatomyositis (DM), frequently presents in association with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Although the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer treatment, their efficacy and safety in patients with concurrent autoimmune diseases (AD) and malignancies remains uncertain. Several studies have suggested the safe administration of ICIs in patients with AD, indicating that successful cancer therapy can alleviate CAD symptoms. Conversely, other studies have raised concerns about the potential for ICIs to exacerbate AD flares or immune-related adverse events (irAEs). A comparative analysis of two cases from our institution emphasizes the variability in ICI responses among SCLC patients with CAD. One patient, previously reported as a case study, exhibited significant clinical improvement in DM symptoms after ICI administration, whereas the other developed severe exfoliative skin changes and experienced an unfavorable pro...
Source: Thoracic Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: CASE REPORT Source Type: research