Vitiligo induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma patients: an expert opinion

• Published in: Expert opinion on drug safety Vol. 20; no. 8; pp. 883 - 888
• Main Authors: Lommerts, Janny E., Bekkenk, Marcel W., Luiten, Rosalie M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 03.08.2021
• Subjects: depigmentation; immune checkpoint inhibitors; Melanoma; melanoma-associated vitiligo; pigmentary changes; vitiligo; vitiligo; melanoma; pigmentary changes; melanoma-associated vitiligo; immune checkpoint inhibitors; depigmentation
• ISSN: 1474-0338; 1744-764X
• DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2021.1915279

Introduction: Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma patients can cause immune-related adverse effects, such as vitiligo. In vitiligo, specific autoimmunity against melanocytes results in depigmentation of the skin. Melanoma-associated vitiligo occurring in melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors can be seen as a good prognostic sign as higher survival rates in melanoma-associated vitiligo cases have been reported. Areas covered: This review gives an insight into the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of melanoma-associated vitiligo caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors. Expert opinion: Development of melanoma-associated vitiligo induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors could be a good clinical marker for response and overall survival. Induction of vitiligo in these patients could also potentially lead to better response and survival rates. Further research should focus on several aspects of melanoma-associated vitiligo, such as better screening and registration, more understanding of pathophysiology of the type of immune response and the predictive value of melanoma-associated in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.