Scleroderma Induced by Pembrolizumab: A Case Series

Mayo Clin Proc. 2017 Jul;92(7):1158-1163. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.03.016. Epub 2017 Jun 7.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are approved for select cancer treatment and have shown survival benefit in patients with advanced melanoma. Adverse events, including immune-related adverse events, are common and potentially life-threatening. We describe cases of 2 patients with scleroderma (patient 1 had diffuse scleroderma, and patient 2 had limited scleroderma) that developed while they were receiving pembrolizumab therapy for metastatic melanoma. Prompt recognition and treatment of immune-related adverse events may improve tolerance to immune checkpoint inhibitors and contribute to an understanding of the manifesting autoimmune disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Male
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Scleroderma, Diffuse / chemically induced*
  • Scleroderma, Diffuse / pathology
  • Scleroderma, Limited / chemically induced*
  • Scleroderma, Limited / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
  • pembrolizumab