• Lars Hofmann, Andrea Forschner, Carmen Loquai, Simone M Goldinger, Lisa Zimmer, Selma Ugurel, Maria I Schmidgen, Ralf Gutzmer, Jochen S Utikal, Daniela Göppner, Jessica C Hassel, Friedegund Meier, Julia K Tietze, Ioannis Thomas, Carsten Weishaupt, Martin Leverkus, Renate Wahl, Ursula Dietrich, Claus Garbe, Michael C Kirchberger, Thomas Eigentler, Carola Berking, Anja Gesierich, Angela M Krackhardt, Dirk Schadendorf, Gerold Schuler, Reinhard Dummer, and Lucie M Heinzerling.
• Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany.
• Eur. J. Cancer. 2016 Jun 1; 60: 190-209.

BackgroundAnti-programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) antibodies represent an effective treatment option for metastatic melanoma as well as for other cancer entities. They act via blockade of the PD-1 receptor, an inhibitor of the T-cell effector mechanisms that limit immune responses against tumours. As reported for ipilimumab, the anti-PD-1 antibodies pembrolizumab and nivolumab can induce immune-related adverse events (irAEs). These side-effects affect skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver, endocrine system and other organ systems. Since life-threatening and fatal irAEs have been reported, adequate diagnosis and management are essential.Methods And FindingsIn total, 496 patients with metastatic melanoma from 15 skin cancer centers were treated with pembrolizumab or nivolumab; 242 side-effects were described in 138 patients. In 116 of the 138 patients, side-effects affected the skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver, endocrine, and renal system. Rare side-effects included diabetes mellitus, lichen planus, and pancreas insufficiency due to pancreatitis.ConclusionAnti-PD1 antibodies can induce a plethora of irAEs. The knowledge of them will allow prompt diagnosis and improve the management resulting in decreased morbidity.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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