Lichenoid dermatitis from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: An immune-related adverse event with mycosis-fungoides-like morphologic and molecular features

J Cutan Pathol. 2019 Nov;46(11):872-877. doi: 10.1111/cup.13536. Epub 2019 Jul 15.

Abstract

Cutaneous immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are a known consequence of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy and may exhibit a spectrum of morphologic features both clinically and histologically. Lichenoid dermatitis associated with ICI therapy (LD-ICI) is the most frequently encountered histopathologic type of irAE biopsied by dermatologists. There is frequent clinical and histologic overlap between irAEs and several reactive and neoplastic dermatologic disorders; thus, clinical information is essential. LD-ICI with histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features typical of mycosis fungoides (MF) are unique. Here, we report a patient who developed LD-ICI with MF-like morphologic features with monoclonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangement on consecutive biopsies during ICI therapy. The development of monoclonal LD-ICI is important for clinicians and pathologists to recognize in patients receiving ICI therapy.

Keywords: dermatologic toxicity; immune checkpoint inhibitor; immune-related adverse events; lichenoid dermatitis; mycosis fungoides.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols* / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols* / adverse effects
  • Azetidines / administration & dosage
  • Azetidines / adverse effects
  • Drug Eruptions* / metabolism
  • Drug Eruptions* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lichenoid Eruptions* / chemically induced
  • Lichenoid Eruptions* / metabolism
  • Lichenoid Eruptions* / pathology
  • Male
  • Piperidines / administration & dosage
  • Piperidines / adverse effects
  • Skin* / metabolism
  • Skin* / pathology
  • Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic* / drug therapy
  • Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic* / metabolism
  • Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic* / pathology
  • Thyroid Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Thyroid Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Thyroid Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Vemurafenib / administration & dosage
  • Vemurafenib / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Azetidines
  • Piperidines
  • Vemurafenib
  • atezolizumab
  • cobimetinib