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CASE REPORT article

Front. Pharmacol.
Sec. Pharmacology of Anti-Cancer Drugs
Volume 15 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1445685

Case Report: Lichenoid eruption under immunotherapy with MK-4830 and pembrolizumab in a breast cancer patient

Provisionally accepted
Zofia Kachlik Zofia Kachlik Izabela Błażewicz Izabela Błażewicz *Aleksandra Ciarka Aleksandra Ciarka Roman J. Nowicki Roman J. Nowicki
  • Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment, yet they can induce immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including cutaneous toxicities such as lichenoid eruptions. Pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, is known for its association with lichen-planus-like reactions, while the side effect profile of combining immunotherapy with MK-4830, a novel fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody that targets ILT-4, remains limited.We present a case of a 47-year-old female with metastatic breast cancer who developed a grade 2 Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) lichenoid reaction after nine months of MK-4830 and pembrolizumab use. Confluent, erythematous papules with Wickham's striae appeared predominantly on the extremities. Initial therapy with high-potency topical corticosteroids proved insufficient, however prednisone 40 mg daily resulted in satisfactory remission of lichenplanus-like reaction, permitting continued immunotherapy without dosage adjustment.This case highlights the novel occurrence of lichenoid eruption induced by MK-4830 and pembrolizumab in breast cancer treatment. Management of such irAEs involves individualized approaches based on severity and patient response.The patient was successfully treated with oral prednisone, which controlled the skin symptoms without interrupting ICI therapy. We emphasize that early diagnosis and treatment of low-grade lichenoid eruption can prevent the cessation of ICIs, thereby combining the benefits of managing irAEs and avoiding cancer progression, leading to a better long-term prognosis. Given the potential impact on cancer progression, careful consideration of treatment continuation versus discontinuation is essential, with an emphasis on maintaining therapeutic benefits while managing adverse events. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize management strategies for irAEs associated with novel immunotherapeutic agents.

    Keywords: lichenoid eruption1, lichen planus2, immune-related adverse events3, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors4, PD-1 inhibitor5, MK-48306, pembrolizumab7, breast cancer8

    Received: 07 Jun 2024; Accepted: 26 Jul 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Kachlik, Błażewicz, Ciarka and Nowicki. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: Izabela Błażewicz, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.