Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

IMPACT ON CANCER PROGNOSIS

Timing of cutaneous immune-related adverse events impacts survival in patients with cancer treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors: A multi-institutional cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024. PMID: 38290617.

• Patient Cohort: 4,250 patients studied, 755 patients experienced cirAEs (cutaneous immune-related AEs), with 437 early-onset (within 3 months) and 318 late-onset (after 3 months) events.

• Survival Impact:

  • Early cirAEs were associated with significantly improved survival compared to late cirAEs, ~23% survival benefit. 

  • The protective effect was strongest when cirAEs occurred within 1-2 months of ICI therapy initiation.

• Types of cirAEs:

  • Early cirAEs:

    • More likely to include maculopapular rash, pruritus, and nonspecific dermatitis.

    • More common in melanoma and gastrointestinal cancers.

  • Late cirAEs:

    • Frequently included vitiligo, lichen planus, and bullous dermatitis.

    • Associated with genitourinary and thoracic cancers.

• Cancer and Treatment Correlations:

  • Early cirAEs were