Diagnosis and Management of Dermatologic Adverse Events from Systemic Melanoma Therapies

Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023 Sep;24(5):765-785. doi: 10.1007/s40257-023-00790-8. Epub 2023 Jul 3.

Abstract

The advent of protein kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy has profoundly improved the management of advanced melanoma. However, with these therapeutic advancements also come drug-related toxicities that have the potential to affect various organ systems. We review dermatologic adverse events from targeted (including BRAF and MEK inhibitor-related) and less commonly used melanoma treatments, with a focus on diagnosis and management. As immunotherapy-related toxicities have been extensively reviewed, herein, we discuss injectable talimogene laherparepvec and touch on recent breakthroughs in the immunotherapy space. Dermatologic adverse events may severely impact quality of life and are associated with response and survival. It is therefore essential that clinicians are aware of their diverse presentations and management strategies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / adverse effects
  • Melanoma* / diagnosis
  • Melanoma* / drug therapy
  • Oncolytic Virotherapy*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
  • Quality of Life
  • Skin Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms* / therapy

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf