Risk of cutaneous toxicities in patients with solid tumors treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: We performed a meta-analysis of the risk of cutaneous toxicities associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Methods: Eligible studies included randomized trials of patients with solid tumors on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ipilimumab, nivolumab, tremelimumab, pidlizumab and pembrolizumab); describing events of rash, vitiligo and pruritus.

Results: A total of nine clinical trials were considered eligible for the meta-analysis. The relative risk of all-grade rash, vitiligo and pruritus was 4.06 (95% CI: 3.35-4.91; p < 0.0001), 16.3 (95% CI: 3.21-82.8; p = 0.0008) and 3.4 (95% CI: 2.24-5.16; p < 0.00001), respectively.

Conclusion: Our meta-analysis demonstrates that immune checkpoint inhibitors are associated with an increased risk of all grade skin rash, vitiligo and pruritus. Clinicians should perform regular clinical cutaneous monitoring.

Keywords: ipilimumab; nivolumab; pruritus; rash; vitiligo.