Research Article: Pembrolizumab-Induced Lichen Planus Pemphigoides in a Patient with Metastatic Adrenocortical Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review
Abstract:
While the advent of immune-checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized cancer therapy, immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) have also been on the rise. Cutaneous toxicities are among the most common irAEs, especially in the context of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors like pembrolizumab. Herein, we report a case of anti-PD-1-induced lichen planus pemphigoides (LPP)—a rare autoimmune blistering disorder with characteristics of both lichen planus and bullous pemphigoid. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of LPP following anti-PD-1 therapy for metastatic adrenocortical cancer. Recognizing that LPP is within the spectrum of irAEs is important, especially as the indications for immunotherapy grow to include rarer malignancies like adrenocortical cancer. In addition to our case presentation, we also provide a comprehensive review of the literature surrounding immunotherapy-induced LPP—highlighting key characteristics towards the early recognition and clinical management of this cutaneous irAE.
Introduction:
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including those targeting programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) receptors on T cells, are revolutionizing the treatment of solid organ and hematologic malignancies. Blocking the inhibitory signals of cytotoxic T cells, ICIs enable the upregulation of the antitumor immune response—harnessing the power of the lymphocytic system against cancer cells. Pembrolizumab is one such anti-PD-1 agent, with a growing list of approved indications including non-small-cell lung cancers,…
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