Efficacy and safety of dabrafenib–trametinib in the treatment of unresectable advanced/metastatic melanoma with BRAF‐V600 mutation: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis

The current systematic review aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of dabrafenib – trametinib with those of other therapeutic alternatives in the treatment of patients with unresectable advanced/metastatic melanoma with BRAF‐V600 mutation. The search was carried out on four databases up to July 2018. Two separate network meta‐analyses (NMA) were performed using the frequentist method (random effects): one with an exclusive population with BRAF‐V600 mutation (NMA‐pBRAFV600) and another with mixed population (with or without the mutation: NMA‐pMixed). An evidence profile was included using the GRADE method for NMA. The validity of the final estimator in the NMA‐pMixed was assessed via a sensitivity analysis. Nine clinical trials were included in the NMA‐pBRAFV600. Dabrafenib–trametinib was found to have a favorable effect on overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) compared with dabrafenib, vemurafenib, and dacarbazine and on partial response rate (PRR) and overall response rate compared with dacarbazine and vemurafenib. In the NMA‐pMixed, dabrafenib–trametinib was found to have a positive effect on OS versus ipilimumab 3 mg/kg and on PFS and PRR versus ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab. However, dabrafenib–trametinib and vemurafenib–cobimetinib significantly differed in terms of efficacy. In addition, dabrafenib–trametinib has a favorable effect on Grades 3 and 4 adverse events.     

Phase 1/2 study assessing the safety and efficacy of dabrafenib and trametinib combination therapy in Japanese patients with BRAF V600 mutation‐positive advanced cutaneous melanoma

The combination of dabrafenib and trametinib demonstrated encouraging antitumor activity and tolerability, at initial analysis, in Japanese patients with BRAF V600 mutant advanced melanoma warranting further investigation. This study evaluated the safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and preliminary efficacy of dabrafenib 150 mg b.i.d. plus trametinib 2 mg q.d. in Japanese patients with BRAF V600E/K mutant solid tumors (phase 1) and melanoma (phase 2). Phase 1 was primarily intended to assess safety and tolerability as assessed by adverse events (AE), and the primary end‐point in phase 2 was to assess confirmed overall response rate (ORR). The secondary end‐points in phase 1 included PK, confirmed/unconfirmed ORR and duration of response (DOR). The secondary end‐points in phase 2 were PK, unconfirmed ORR, DOR, safety and tolerability. A total of 12 cutaneous melanoma patients were enrolled in the study (six in phase 1 and six in phase 2) and received the combination therapy of dabrafenib and trametinib. Common AE (≥50.0%) included pyrexia (75%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (67%), peripheral edema (50%) and nasopharyngitis (50%). The investigator‐assessed ORR was reported in five patients (83%) in phase 1 and was also reported in five patients (83%; 95% confidence interval, 35.9–99.6; P < 0.0001) in phase 2. Plasma concentrations of both dabrafenib and trametinib seemed to a reach steady state by week 3. Overall, efficacy and PK properties for the dabrafenib plus trametinib combination in Japanese patients were comparable with those seen in global studies.     

Synergistic effects of interferon‐beta and nivolumab in oral mucosal melanoma

Mucosal melanoma is a rare aggressive cancer with a very poor prognosis. Clinical and pathological characteristics of mucosal melanoma differ from those of cutaneous melanoma and there are no established management guidelines for mucosal melanoma. Complete surgical excision is one of the most effective treatments for localized lesions, while targeted therapies and immunotherapies, such as monoclonal antibodies that target cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated molecule‐4, and the programmed death (PD)‐1/PD‐ligand 1 pathway inhibitors, are treatment options for unresectable or metastatic lesions. Here, we describe the case of a patient with oral mucosal melanoma with multiple metastases. In our case, local injection of interferon (IFN)‐β with dacarbazine–nimustine–vincristine therapy provided antitumor effects on an invasive tumor on the upper gingiva. Nivolumab therapy produced complete remission of lymph node and bone metastases. In contrast, the remaining in situ portion of oral mucosal melanoma on the hard palate was refractory to IFN‐β monotherapy and nivolumab therapy. However, after administration of nivolumab, peritumoral injection of IFN‐β showed rapid therapeutic effects. Our case suggested that nivolumab upregulated the antitumor effects of IFN‐β, which induced the recruitment of CD8⁺ T cells into the tumor microenvironment contributing to the deletion of tumor cells. Combination therapy of IFN‐β and nivolumab may be a potential treatment option for patients with oral mucosal melanoma.     

Two cases of dabrafenib and trametinib therapy‐failed advanced melanoma successfully controlled by nivolumab monotherapy

Although therapies for advanced melanoma have been greatly improved by the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and BRAF/mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors, there are still many concerns about the administration of these novel drugs. Therefore, to combine these therapies sequentially at appropriate time points of the disease is important. In this report, we report two cases in which dabrafenib and trametinib therapy for advanced melanoma failed but were successfully controlled by nivolumab monotherapy, and investigated the sera sCD163, CCL22 and CXCL10 as biomarkers for tumor progression. Interestingly, the sera levels of sCD163, CXCL10 and CCL22, both of which are produced by activated tumor‐associated macrophages, were increased in parallel with the tumor progression in each case. Because this report presents only two cases, further data will need to be accumulated to provide more fundamental insights into the usefulness of these biomarkers for predicting disease progression in melanoma.     

Sudden elevation of plasma D‐dimer levels induced by the combination therapy of dabrafenib and trametinib: Report of two cases

The combination therapy of dabrafenib and trametinib revolutionized the treatment for BRAF V600‐mutated melanoma. Various adverse events have been reported for this treatment, most notably fever. Herein, we report two cases of novel an adverse event, namely sudden and significant elevation of plasma D‐dimer level induced by this therapy. In the first case, the remarkable elevation of plasma D‐dimer level up to 87.4 mg/dL was noted on day 11, and in the second case, the plasma D‐dimer level reached 125.5 mg/dL on day 25. In both cases, D‐dimer levels gradually decreased after the cessation of this therapy. Although the exact cause is not clear, we assume two possible hypotheses: the first is that the combination therapy may induce disseminated intravascular coagulation, and the second is that the therapy induced pathological condition of secondary thrombotic microangiopathies. Our cases suggest that this thrombotic adverse event should not be overlooked, and coagulation parameters need to be monitored during the course of this treatment.     

免疫检查点抑制剂和靶向药物辅助治疗可切除黑素瘤疗效的网状Meta分析

【摘要】 目的 通过贝叶斯网状Meta分析评估免疫检查点抑制剂和靶向药物对可切除黑素瘤的治疗效果。方法 通过PubMed、 Embase和Cochrane数据库检索可切除黑素瘤辅助治疗的随机对照试验。基于风险比,应用贝叶斯固定效应模型对无复发生存期进行网状Meta分析来评估相对治疗效果。通过StataSE 15和OpenBUGS 3.2.3软件对数据进行综合分析。结果 共纳入6篇文章,包括5 587例患者和7种治疗方法。其中Ⅲ期亚组5 019例,存在溃疡亚组2 085例,不存在溃疡亚组2 629例,BRAF突变亚组2 054例;7种治疗分别为手术 + 观察或安慰剂、手术 + dabrafenib联合trametinib辅助治疗、手术 + nivolumab辅助治疗、手术 + ipilimumab辅助治疗、手术 + pembrolizumab辅助治疗、手术 + bevacizumab辅助治疗以及手术 + vemurafenib辅助治疗。在网状Meta分析中,dabrafenib联合trametinib（HR 0.47,95% CI 0.39 ~ 0.57）、nivolumab（HR 0.49,95% CI 0.36 ~ 0.65）和pembrolizumab（HR 0.57,95% CI 0.43 ~ 0.75）辅助治疗在改善无复发生存期上明显比单纯手术治疗更有效;Ⅲ期和存在溃疡的可切除黑素瘤患者亚组分析结果与上述网状Meta分析相同。不存在溃疡的可切除黑素瘤亚组分析中,vemurafenib（HR 0.48,95% CI 0.29 ~ 0.79）、dabrafenib联合trametinib（HR 0.48,95% CI 0.33 ~ 0.70）和nivolumab（HR 0.50,95% CI 0.31 ~ 0.79）辅助治疗较单纯手术治疗可显著延长患者的无复发生存期,但pembrolizumab（HR 0.69,95% CI 0.45 ~ 1.06）并没有比单纯手术治疗效果更好。在BRAF突变的黑素瘤亚组分析中,与单纯手术相比,bevacizumab（HR 0.60,95% CI 0.43 ~ 0.85）、dabrafenib联合trametinib（HR 0.47,95% CI 0.38 ~ 0.57）、pembrolizumab（HR 0.59,95% CI 0.38 ~ 0.92）和vemurafenib（HR 0.65,95% CI 0.50 ~ 0.85）辅助治疗均能明显延长患者的无复发生存期。采用网状Meta分析对各种辅助治疗进行排序,dabrafenib联合trametinib在网状Meta分析中以及Ⅲ期亚组、存在溃疡亚组和BRAF突变亚组中排第一的可能性最大,而不存在溃疡的亚组分析中,vemurafenib排第一的可能性最大。结论 对于存在溃疡或BRAF突变的可切除黑素瘤患者,dabrafenib联合trametinib是最佳辅助治疗;对于BRAF突变状态未知或野生型的可切除黑素瘤患者,nivolumab是最佳辅助治疗。     

Three cases of nivolumab therapy‐failed advanced melanoma successfully controlled by ipilimumab with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy

Anti‐programmed death 1 antibody monotherapy is a first‐line and widely used immunotherapy for the treatment of advanced melanoma. However, its efficacy rate is lower in the Japanese population compared with the Caucasian population. Ipilimumab is another immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) that activates and increases T cells, which suppress the function of regulatory T cells. Previous reports have suggested that ipilimumab is useful for treating advanced melanoma, particularly in combination with radiation therapy. In this report, we described three cases of nivolumab‐resistant melanoma successfully controlled by ipilimumab with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy, which may enhance the therapeutic effects of the sequential administration of ICI.     

Oral lichenoid reaction showing multiple ulcers associated with anti‐programmed death cell receptor‐1 treatment: A report of two cases and published work review

Anti‐programmed cell death receptor‐1 (PD‐1) antibodies represent an effective treatment opinion for advanced melanoma and non‐small‐cell lung cancer, as well as other cancerous entities. Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti‐PD‐1 antibody result in a unique side‐effect profile, commonly described as immune‐related adverse events (irAE). These irAE affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver, endocrine system and other organ systems. We report two cases of oral lichenoid reaction showing multiple ulcers associated with nivolumab treatment. Both patients presented with multiple ulcers covered with fibrinous plaque over the entire oral mucosa, lips and tongue. Histopathological examination of ulceration showed epithelial necrosis and subepidermal clefts with dense band‐like layers of lymphohistiocytic infiltrate within the upper dermis. Nivolumab was interrupted in both cases. Case 1 responded well to topical corticosteroids. Case 2 required oral corticosteroids, however, nivolumab could be restarted without recurrence of oral ulcers. We provide a comprehensive review of reported cases of lichenoid reaction showing multiple oral ulcers associated with anti‐PD‐1 therapy to date. Early recognition and management may improve treatment, avoid discontinuation of life‐saving therapy and maintain quality of life in these patients.     

Investigation of clinical factors associated with longer overall survival in advanced melanoma patients treated with sequential ipilimumab

Melanoma is one of the most serious form of skin cancer. Nowadays, ipilimumab is used for advanced melanoma refractory to first‐line anti‐programmed death 1 (PD‐1) antibodies. Thirty patients (male : female ratio, 18:12; median age, 60.5 years) sequentially treated with ipilimumab after anti‐PD‐1 antibody (nivolumab or pembrolizumab), while 58 (male : female ratio, 27:31; median age, 66.5 years) with anti‐PD‐1 antibody only. The kind of therapy and schedules were as follows: nivolumab, 2 mg/kg at 3‐week intervals or at 3 mg/kg every 2 week; pembrolizumab, 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks; ipilimumab, 3 mg/kg at 3‐week intervals for four doses. The sequential therapy was selected for the patients with disease progression and/or recovered from severe (immune‐related [ir]) adverse events (AE) after PD‐1 blockade monotherapy. We evaluated multiple parameters and analyzed their relevance to overall survival (OS). The best objective response rate was 6.7% in sequential ipilimumab treatment. Median OS was 163 days (range, 16–489). Baseline absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and performance status (PS) before sequential ipilimumab were associated with OS in univariate analyses. Baseline PS and irAE within 6 weeks after ipilimumab administration showed significant differences on multivariate analysis. Prior to first‐line PD‐1 blockade, these parameters were not associated with OS. The other factors (i.e. age, sex, number of doses, absolute neutrophil counts, neutrophil : lymphocyte ratio, lactate dehydrogenase and C‐reactive protein) were not associated with OS. [Correction added on 17 April 2019, after first online publication: ‘not related to OS' has been amended to ‘not associated with OS’.] Ipilimumab as sequential therapy did not appear to improve OS and was associated with more severe irAE than PD‐1 blockade monotherapy. We need to carefully consider treating patients with poor PS and low ALC.     

Successful Treatment of Vitiligo Associated with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada Disease

Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease (VKH) is a rare multisystem disorder with cutaneous, ophthalmic, neurologic, and auditory manifestations. There is a paucity of published literature regarding the management of cutaneous features in VKH. We report a case of VKH‐associated vitiligo responsive to topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors.     

Successful treatment of interstitial lung disease related to Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap with etanercept: A case report and published work review

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a rare complication of Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). In this study, we present the case of a 33‐year‐old woman who was diagnosed with ILD related to SJS/TEN overlap syndrome. Surprisingly, the patient did not respond to combination therapy with steroids and i.v. immunoglobulin, but rapidly improved after two doses of etanercept treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first case of SJS/TEN‐induced ILD that was successfully treated with etanercept. We reviewed another two cases of ILD associated with SJS/TEN, and found that unlike the other cases, in the present case, ILD occurred early in the course of the disease and rapidly improved after etanercept injection. We discovered that in the present patient, the serum interleukin‐6 level increased during the progressive stage and declined after the initiation of treatment with etanercept.     

Induction of melasma by 1064‐nm Q‐switched neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser therapy for acquired bilateral nevus of Ota‐like macules (Hori nevus): A study on related factors in the Chinese population

Laser treatment has emerged as a common treatment modality for acquired bilateral nevus of Ota‐like macules (ABNOM). To identify the ratio of melasma induction and exacerbation before and after laser therapy for ABNOM and to observe the risk factors related to the induction and exacerbation of melasma by laser therapy, we analyzed related factors of 1268 adult Chinese patients who underwent 1064‐nm Q‐switched neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (QNYL) treatment using case series and case–control studies. Overall, 24.0% of the ABNOM patients had mixed melasma. Among the ABNOM patients without melasma, after laser therapy the development of melasma was more frequently noted in patients older than 35 years (P < 0.0001), as well in patients whose ABNOM was less than 10 cm² (P = 0.027), ABNOM were light (similar to yellow‐brown) in color (P = 0.021) and skin types were closer to type IV (P < 0.0001). New melasma lesions also appeared most frequently in the zygomatic region (P < 0.0001). Among the ABNOM patients with melasma, 89.5% experienced worsening of their melasma, irrespective of their related factors above. We concluded that the risk of inducing melasma is great after 1064‐nm QNYL treatment in ABNOM patients, and particularly in the patients with both ABNOM and melasma. ABNOM patients should be treated as early as possible and before the age of 35 years.     

Severe pyrexia from nivolumab-resistant advanced melanoma after successful combined therapy with encorafenib plus binimetinib

Various serious adverse events (AE) have been reported to occur at a high rate in patients treated with BRAF plus mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor combination therapy, but their subtypes differ among the BRAF/MEK inhibitors. Pyrexia or a spike of fever are well-known AE of BRAF inhibitors, with or without MEK inhibitors, and have been reported to have a high incidence after dabrafenib/trametinib, but not after encorafenib/binimetinib. In this report, we describe three cases of severe pyrexia in nivolumab-resistant advanced melanoma after successful combined therapy with encorafenib plus binimetinib. Interestingly, in all cases, the serum levels of soluble CD163 C-X-C motif chemokine (CXCL)9, CXCL10 and CXCL11, which are known biomarkers for adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD), increased in parallel with the development of pyrexia. Our present cases suggest that pyrexia caused by BRAF/MEK inhibitors may possess a similar pathophysiology as that of AOSD.     

Two cases of BRAF-mutated,bulbar conjunctival melanoma,and review of the published literature

We describe two patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma of the epithelioid cell type arising from primary acquired melanosis with severe atypia of the right bulbar conjunctiva. Patient 1 was a 71-year-old Japanese man. After adjuvant cryotherapy and enucleation of the right eyeball, therapy with vemurafenib was administered for a distant metastasis to a lumbar vertebra, accompanied by erythema multiforme and two keratinous tumours. The patient died due to metastases to the liver and multiple vertebrae, despite therapy with nivolumab and combination therapy with dabrafenib plus trametinib. Patient 2 was a 72-year-old Japanese man. After adjuvant cryotherapy, periodic mitomycin C eye drops, and excision of the superficial portion of the right parotid gland and the dissection of cervical lymph nodes, he was treated with adjuvant combination therapy with dabrafenib plus trametinib. Dermatologists should be familiar with BRAF-mutated conjunctival melanoma, which is usually located on the bulbar conjunctiva and associated with more frequent distant metastasis.     

A case of Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction in candidiasis treated with systemic fluconazole

Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction (JHR) is an acute and self‐limited condition, which commonly occurs after treatment for spirochetal infections. Probably, it corresponds to a transient immunological reaction to endotoxin‐like products released from the microorganism during the therapy. For this reason, JHR may be associated with many other infectious diseases besides syphilis. Here, we report a case of a patient affected by extended cutaneous candidiasis diagnosed by culture examination; a JHR occurred after an accidental overdose of oral fluconazole.     

Adjuvant therapy for cutaneous melanoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of new therapies

New drugs have been recently approved as adjuvant therapies for melanoma. In this Bayesian network meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the best therapeutic option in terms of recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AEs). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library and the American Society of Clinical Oncology databases were searched from inception until 20 August 2018. We estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for RFS and OS and relative odds ratios (ORs) for AEs and surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) probabilities were calculated. A number of 872 records were identified, and six were finally included in the meta-analysis. A total of 4244 patients in six studies were randomized. The following therapies were considered in the selected studies: combined dabrafenib and trametinib, vemurafenib, nivolumab, ipilimumab and pembrolizumab. Nivolumab demonstrated the highest probability (75.1%) of being the best in term of RFS, followed by dabrafenib+trametinib, pembrolizumab, ipilimumab and vemurafenib; however, OS was not estimable. Concerning AEs, pembrolizumab and nivolumab showed the highest probability to be less associated with any and 3–4 grade AEs (83.1% and 64.4%, respectively). In conclusion, all new drugs are highly effective in adjuvant setting, and the best choice is dependent of patient's context.     

Presence of anti‐phosphatidylserine–prothrombin complex antibodies and anti‐moesin antibodies in patients with polyarteritis nodosa

We measured both serum anti‐phosphatidylserine–prothrombin complex (anti‐PSPT) antibodies and anti‐moesin antibodies, as well as various cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐13, IL‐17, granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, γ‐interferon, tumor necrosis factor‐α) levels in polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) patients with cutaneous manifestations. All patients showed the presence of a histological necrotizing vasculitis in the skin specimen. They were treated with i.v. cyclophosphamide pulse therapy (IV‐CY) and prednisolone therapy or steroid pulse therapy. The immunological assessments were performed on sera collected prior to and after treatment with IV‐CY or steroid pulse therapy. We found a significant positive correlation between serum anti‐moesin antibodies and both clinical Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Scores and Vasculitis Damage Index. Anti‐PSPT antibody and IL‐2 levels after treatment in PAN patients were significantly lower than before treatment. In contrast, anti‐moesin antibody levels were higher following IV‐CY or steroid pulse therapy compared with the pretreatment levels. In the treatment‐resistant PAN patients (n = 8), anti‐PSPT antibody levels after treatment were significantly lower than before treatment. In contrast, anti‐moesin antibody levels after treatment in the patients were significantly higher compared with the pretreatment levels. Immunohistochemical staining revealed moesin overexpression in mainly fibrinoid necrosis of the affected arteries in the PAN patients. We suggest that measurement of serum anti‐PSPT antibody levels could serve as a marker for PAN and aid in earlier diagnosis of PAN. We also propose that elevated serum anti‐moesin antibodies could play some role of the exacerbation in patients with PAN.     

Side effect management during immune checkpoint blockade using CTLA‐4 and PD‐1 antibodies for metastatic melanoma – an update

CTLA‐4 and PD‐1 play a key role in tumor‐induced downregulation of lymphocytic immune responses. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been shown to alter the immune response to various cancer types. Anti‐CTLA‐4 and anti‐PD‐1 antibodies affect the interaction between tumor, antigen‐presenting cells and T lymphocytes. Clinical studies of the anti‐CTLA‐4 antibody ipilimumab and the anti‐PD‐1 antibodies nivolumab and pembrolizumab have provided evidence of their positive effects on overall survival in melanoma patients. Combined treatment using ipilimumab and nivolumab has been shown to achieve five‐year survival rates of 52 %. Such enhancement of the immune response is inevitably associated with adverse events. Knowledge of the spectrum of side effects is essential, both in terms of prevention and management. Adverse events include colitis, dermatitis, hypophysitis, thyroiditis, hepatitis and other, less common autoimmune phenomena. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in the detection and treatment of the aforementioned immune‐related adverse events. However, early diagnosis of rare neurological or cardiac side effects, which may be associated with increased mortality, frequently pose a challenge. The present update highlights our current understanding as well as new insights into the spectrum of side effects associated with checkpoint inhibitors and their management.     

Challenges in sarcoidosis and sarcoid‐like reactions associated to immune checkpoint inhibitors: A narrative review apropos of a case

Sarcoidosis and sarcoid‐like reactions (SLRs) may develop in association with various malignancies, as well as in association to certain oncologic drugs, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We aimed to perform a narrative review with regard to the development of ICIs‐associated sarcoidosis or SLRs, and to discuss the corresponding diagnostic and therapeutic challenges raised in this scenario. Apropos of a melanoma patient developing SLRs while treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab, we searched for clinically evident, ICIs‐associated sarcoidosis or SLRs in the English literature. We recorded the oncologic characteristics, including type of malignancy and type of ICI, the phenotypic characteristics of sarcoidosis/SLRs, as well as the impact on immunotherapy. Including our patient, we identified 80 ICIs‐associated sarcoidosis or SLRs cases. Both sexes were equally affected (40 F/40 M) and the most common malignancy was melanoma (65/80, 81.3%). Concerning the oncologic treatment, there was a predilection for pembrolizumab (23/80, 28.7%), followed by the ipilimumab/nivolumab combination (21/80, 26.3%), ipilimumab (18/80, 22.5%), nivolumab (16/80, 20.0%). Although in the majority of the cases (52/80, 65.0%) there was no need for systemic prednisolone for the management of sarcoidosis, a significant proportion of patients finally discontinued ICIs treatment (44/80, 55.0%). Phenotypically, sarcoidosis and SLRs highly imitate oncologic progression posing diagnostic difficulties. A therapeutic dilemma is also raised when there is a need for systemic prednisolone, since the latter may jeopardize the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy. Sarcoidosis and SLRs, though rare, can present in oncologic patients treated with ICIs. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility and the related diagnostic and therapeutic challenges they have to face in this scenario.     

Ethosuximide‐induced Stevens–Johnson syndrome: Beneficial effect of early intervention with high‐dose corticosteroid therapy

We report two rare cases of childhood epilepsy patients who developed ethosuximide‐induced Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS). Unlike typical SJS, the initial eruption of both patients presented well‐demarcated, infiltrating firm papules mainly on the cheeks and the extensor aspects of the arms (case 1), and multiple vesicles on the soles and oral aphthosis (case 2), which closely mimicked viral exanthema. We diagnosed both patients with ethosuximide‐induced SJS, based on the dosing period and the positive results of drug‐induced lymphocyte stimulation test. Systemic corticosteroids are usually selected as a standard therapy for SJS, despite controversial results regarding their effectiveness. In case 1, an i.v. pulse therapy of methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg, 3 days consecutively) was initiated on day 7 from the onset of illness, and an i.v. immunoglobulin (400 mg/kg, 5 days consecutively) was added the following day. In case 2, an i.v. prednisone treatment (1 mg/kg, for 1 week) was initiated on day 4 from the onset. Eventually, the early therapeutic interventions resulted in good outcomes in both patients.