INTRODUCTION
In 2023, an estimated 1,958,310 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer.1 Although overall incidence continues to rise, ongoing advancements in anticancer therapy have contributed to improved survival. Moreover, some historically fatal malignancies are now being treated akin to chronic disease, exposing a new spectrum of drug toxicities both from novel agents as well as extended duration of use. Immunotherapy, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has been a foundation of such management, with expanding indications for therapeutic interventions for cancer patients.
Broadly, immunotherapy activates the body’s immune system to fight cancer. ICIs do so by blocking T-cell inactivation receptors, which are used by malignant cells for evasion, to maintain inherent immune-mediated anti-cancer activity.2,3 ICIs are approved for treatment of numerous solid-organ tumors and a few hematologic malignancies, acting as first-line therapy in many instances.2,3 In 2019, approximately 40% of all cancer patients in the United States were eligible for treatment with immunotherapy,4 which may be administered as a single agent, combination immunotherapy, or alongside alternate classes of medications such as cytotoxic chemotherapy and targeted therapy.2-4
Broadly, immunotherapy activates the body’s immune system to fight cancer. ICIs do so by blocking T-cell inactivation receptors, which are used by malignant cells for evasion, to maintain inherent immune-mediated anti-cancer activity.2,3 ICIs are approved for treatment of numerous solid-organ tumors and a few hematologic malignancies, acting as first-line therapy in many instances.2,3 In 2019, approximately 40% of all cancer patients in the United States were eligible for treatment with immunotherapy,4 which may be administered as a single agent, combination immunotherapy, or alongside alternate classes of medications such as cytotoxic chemotherapy and targeted therapy.2-4
In parallel to immunotherapy use, the characterization of cutaneous immunotherapy-related adverse events (cirAEs) is becoming increasingly recognized and refined. Adverse skin reactions occur in 14% to 47% of patients treated with ICIs, which range from mild and localized to debilitating and widespread.5,6 cirAEs vary based on class and dose of immunotherapy administered, type of cancer being treated, and patient-specific factors, and can arise at any time during treatment or after discontinuation.5-15 Thus, dermatologists remain integral members of cancer care teams in which they provide expectant management, enhance preventative skin care practices, and
