Retrospective Cohort Study Characterizing PD1/PD-L1 Checkpoint Inhibition Associated SJS/TEN

This presentation discusses a retrospective cohort study that characterizes Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) associated with PD-1 and PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer treatment. The use of these inhibitors has revolutionized cancer therapy by enhancing T cell responses against tumors, but they also lead to significant immune-related adverse events, particularly affecting the skin. The study utilized a large database of electronic medical records from over 130 million individuals to investigate the incidence and timing of SJS/TEN cases following PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment. Results indicated that SJS/TEN occurred at a rate of approximately 6 cases per 10,000 drug starts for PD-1 inhibitors, which is two to three times more frequent than conventional SJS/TEN causes. Notably, the median onset time for SJS/TEN after starting PD-1 inhibitors was around 16 weeks, significantly longer compared to the 4 to 6 weeks observed with conventional therapies. The findings emphasize that SJS/TEN symptoms can develop and persist throughout the treatment duration with PD-1 inhibitors, highlighting the need for vigilance among clinicians and dermatologists about these unique immune-related adverse events to effectively manage patient care while continuing essential cancer therapies.