Cutaneous lupus associated with pembrolizumab therapy for advanced melanoma: a report of three cases

We report three cases of cutaneous lupus associated with pembrolizumab therapy for advanced melanoma. One patient had a previous diagnosis of histologically proven discoid lupus erythematosus, well-controlled without treatment for over 2 years, which flared on first exposure to pembrolizumab. The remaining two patients had no previous history of autoimmune disease; both developed cutaneous eruptions, histologically and immunohistologically, in keeping with subacute cutaneous lupus following treatment with pembrolizumab. Our report bolsters what is currently an exceedingly small body of evidence documenting the development of cutaneous lupus in the setting of pembrolizumab therapy. Our third case specifically documents an otherwise unreported severe reflare of previously diagnosed, quiescent discoid lupus erythematosus in the setting of pembrolizumab, vividly highlighting the potential for autoimmune and specifically, lupus reactivation in the setting of anti-PD-1 therapy.
Source: Melanoma Research - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Source Type: research