Pembrolizumab-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

BACKGROUND

For advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been regarded as one of the optimal therapies. While immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are common in ICI treatment, cutaneous toxicities are among the most common irAEs. Most immune-related skin toxicity grades are low, and the prognosis is good. However, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare but extremely severe cutaneous adverse drug reaction with high mortality.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a rare case of SJS induced by pembrolizumab. The case involved a 68-year-old female who was diagnosed with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. SJS appeared after one cycle of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy. After treatment with prednisone hormone symptoms, anti-infection, gamma globulin, and antipruritic agents, the skin toxicity of the patients gradually decreased and eventually disappeared. Although the antitumor treatment was stopped due to serious adverse reactions, the tumor of the patient remained stable for nearly half a year after one cycle of immune therapy combined with chemotherapy, which also corroborates the delayed effect of immunotherapy.

CONCLUSION

We believe our report can provide some references for the treatment of SJS and the treatment of immune-related adverse reactions.

Key Words: Pembrolizumab; Stevens-Johnson syndrome; Advanced squamous cell carcinoma; Lung; Immune-related adverse events; Case report

Core Tip: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare but extremely severe cutaneous adverse drug reaction with high mortality. The case involved a 68-year-old female who was diagnosed with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. SJS syndrome appeared after one cycle of immunotherapy. After the optimal supportive treatment, skin toxicity disappeared.

INTRODUCTION

Pembrolizumab is an anti-PD-1 (programmed death 1) humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that blocks the PD-1 receptor to enable T cell killing. Pembrolizumab, combined with chemotherapy, has shown improved efficacy in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung[1], with drug-related adverse events reported in 64% of patients[2]. However, adverse events of grade 3 or higher were reported in less than 10% of patients and included cutaneous side-effect cases.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe type of pleomorphic erythema and a rare adverse mucocutaneous reaction with a mortality rate of up to 35%[3]. While SJS is characterized by maculopapular rash – pruritus – and is often related to adverse drug reactions[4,5], the mechanism of SJS has not been determined. It has been reported that at least 200 kinds of drug reactions are related to SJS. However, cases in which anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 drugs contribute to SJS are rare[3]. There have been several reports of anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 therapy inducing SJS[6-14,15]. Here, we present our report of a rare case of pembrolizumab-associated SJS in a female patient with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.

CASE PRESENTATION

Chief complaints

The patient was a 68-year-old female without a history of smoking. On October 1st, 2020, she was admitted due to repeated cough and breathlessness for 1 mo.

History of present illness

Systemic examinations, including chest computed tomography (CT), whole abdominal CT, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone scintigraphy, and blood tests, were performed. The test results showed that the levels of tumor markers were clearly elevated, and CT indicated a lung mass in the right lobe, several bilateral nodules, multiple mediastinal lymph nodes, and a solitary liver metastasis. Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung was diagnosed through CT-guided percutaneous needle lung biopsy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed no epidermal growth factor receptor, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, or receptor tyrosine kinase mutations. According to the American Joint Commission on Cancer 8^th edition staging system, she was clinically diagnosed with stage IVA lung squamous cell carcinoma (cT4N2M1b). According to the 2020 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, the combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy is the best optional treatment for patients with advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma. On October 14, 2020, the patient was treated with one cycle of paclitaxel 270 mg d1 + cisplatin 120 mg d1 chemotherapy combined with pembrolizumab therapy. On November 4, 2021, which was nearly three weeks after one cycle of chemotherapy, the patient started with low fever, sore throat, and severe fatigue. Then, the patient was considered to be related to cold exposure. Penicillin treatment was used in the hospital nearby, but the patient's symptoms did not improve, which lasted for almost 5 d. On November 9^th, small papules and typical erythema, accompanied by severe itchiness and general discomfort, gradually appeared on the patient's skin and were mainly distributed in the anterior chest and face. Considering the severity of the patient's symptoms, the patient visited our hospital on November 12^th. The patient’s temperature was normal. The pain in her throat persisted. The physical examination of the patient showed that multiple erythematous papules could be detected on the patient’s head, neck, chest, and back (covering 30% of the total body skin) (Figure 1), most of which fused to form blisters. The patient reported that these papules felt mild itchiness but painful. Eyelid edema was obvious. There were some ulcers around the lip. The patient’s oral ulcers were too painful to allow her to eat anything.

Figure 1 Multiple erythematous papules can be detected on the patient’s head, neck, chest and back (covering 30% of the total body skin).

History of past illness

There was no remarkable past medical history with no alcohol consumption or history of smoking.

Personal and family history

Family and personal history were unremarkable. She had no significant medical history or drug allergy.

Physical examination

A poor general condition, SCORTEN (severity-of-illness score for TEN) score of 4 points. Nikolsky’s sign was positive. Koebner phenomenon was negative. Erythematous papules could be detected on the patient’s head, neck, chest, and back (covering 30% of the total body skin) with mild itchy but painful symptoms. Eyelid edema was obvious. There were some ulcers around the lip. Her oral ulcers were too painful to allow her to eat anything. No other apparently positive signs were found.

Laboratory examinations

She was admitted to our hospital, and the relevant blood tests after admission are shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1 Some blood test of the patient.

Time	November 18, 2021	November 26, 2021	December 1, 2021	December 7, 2020
White blood cell	10.3×108/L (3.5-9.5)	10.01×108/L (3.5-9.5)	9.28×108/L (3.5-9.5)	10.76×108/L (3.5-9.5)
Red blood cell	2.68×1012/L (3.8-5.1)	3.01×1012/L (3.8-5.1)	2.86×1012/L (3.8-5.1)	2.63×1012/L (3.8-5.1)
Hemoglobin	78 g/L (115-150)	98 g/L (115-150)	97.9 g/L (115-150)	89.3 g/L (115-150)
Thrombocyte	115×109/L (125-350)	124×109/L (125-350)	135×109/L (125-350)	133×109/L (125-350)
C-reactive protein	22.07 mg/L (0-10)		60.5 mg/L (0-10)
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate			44 mm/h (0-22)	51 mm/h (0-22)
Procalcitonin	0.05 ng/mL (< 0.05)	0.05 ng/mL (< 0.05)	0.09 ng/mL (< 0.05)
D-dimer	0.83 ng/mL (< 0.5 mg/L)		646 ng/mL (< 0.5 mg/L)
Immunoglobulin G (IgG)			22.2 g/L (7.0-12.6)
ANA reaction			Positive
ANA drop degree			0.486
Anti-SSA/Ro antibody			Strongly positive (+++)
Anti-SSB			Positive (++)
Interleukin-6			39.26 pg/mL (0-7)

Imaging examinations

Chest and abdominal CT scans showed that the primary lung lesions and liver metastases were significantly reduced, and the overall response evaluation was PR according to RECIST 1.1 (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors).

FINAL DIAGNOSIS

We arranged an urgent consultation with a dermatologist. According to the skin and mucous membrane performance of the patient during these days, the rapid development of the disease, and history of PD-1 inhibitor use, pembrolizumab-induced SJS was diagnosed.

TREATMENT

Therefore, we immediately administered moderate- to high-potency topical steroids to treat the affected areas, oral antihistamines for pruritus and oral prednisone at 40 mg/d. After three days of treatment, the dermatologic toxicities were clearly aggravated. On November 18 (Figure 2), the rash began to spread to almost the entire body (covering more than 45% of the total body skin). The blisters were formed superficially in the epidermis with skin ulceration, and most of them had blood and fluid oozing. Part of the epidermis was peeled off from the surface of the body, exposing a moist, painful, flushed erosive surface. The oral ulcers continued to be aggravated. Both the itchiness and pain worsened, and the patient became severe (G3-4). At this point, we suspended immunotherapy, administered high potency topical steroids to the affected areas and prophylactically used antibiotics; additionally, we increased the prednisone dose to 100 mg. After three days of treatment, the cutaneous toxicities continued to worsen (Figure 3).

Figure 2 The rash began to spread to almost all over the body (covering more than 45% of the total body skin).

Figure 3 Cutaneous toxicities continued to worsen, and extensive skin ulceration was observed.

OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP

By referring to the opinions from the consultation, intravenous methylprednisolone 120 mg/d (2 mg/kg/d), gamma globulin 20 g/d, topical gentamicin, and diluted potassium permanganate were administered. Sepprayi 25 mg (recombinant human type II tumor necrosis factor receptor-antibody fusion protein, rhTNFR:Fc) was injected subcutaneously twice a week, and oral antihistamine was administered for pruritus. After a week of treatment, the dermatologic toxicities were gradually alleviated (Figure 4). Then, oral prednisone was gradually reduced, and topical drug administration continued. The treatment lasted for 3 mo, and the skin toxicity eventually disappeared (Figure 5). In terms of lung carcinoma, the pulmonary nodule was smaller than the baseline and remained stable during the 6-mo evaluation. In May 2021, the latest re-examination showed that although the patient did not receive any antitumor treatment, the lesion remained stable.

Figure 4 After a week of treatment, the dermatologic toxicities were gradually alleviated. A: The itchiness of the patient was significantly relieved, large blisters and ulcers basically disappeared; B: The dermis began to recover gradually.

Figure 5 The patient recovered very well.

DISCUSSION

Since the 21^st century, the introduction of immunotherapy treatments has dramatically revolutionized the treatment paradigm of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)[16]. However, immune checkpoint inhibition usually leads to systemic adverse reactions, which are immune-related adverse events, mainly encompassing rash, colitis, pneumonitis, hepatitis, and thyroiditis[17]. Dermatologic toxicities seem to be the most frequently reported adverse events. SJS is a rare and severe dermatologic toxicity with high mortality[4]. The first SJS case induced by pembrolizumab in NSCLC was reported in a Japanese case[14]. Our case report is the first Chinese case of pembrolizumab-associated SJS in NSCLC.

At present, the exact mechanism of SJS remains undefined. The currently recognized theory is the T cell-mediated type IV delayed hypersensitivity reaction[18,19]. The drug triggering SJS binds the T cell receptor and MHC class I, and as a result, it leads to the massive replication of cytotoxic T cells, which directly kill keratinocytes, and the release of granulysin, which destroys cells in the skin and the mucous membrane[20]. Yun-Shiuan’s research showed that the blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 may contribute to the imbalance of the immune system, manifesting the enhancement of the T cell response and increasing the incidence of hypersensitivity[21]. During the treatment of SJS induced by ipilimumab and nivolumab in a melanoma patient[22], an increase in CD8+ T cells in the dermal epidermal junction and an increase in PD-L1 expression in keratinocytes were noted. Unfortunately, the biopsy analysis of our case has not been finished, and therefore, this viewpoint cannot be further confirmed. Overall, the mechanism of SJS caused by immunosuppressive drugs requires further research.

Cutaneous toxicities of immune checkpoint inhibitors might result in a longer PFS (progression-free survival) and a higher OS (overall survival) rate[23]. Bairavi and his colleagues demonstrated that NSCLC patients with one irAE and multisystem irAEs incrementally improved OS and PFS. Longer immune checkpoint inhibitor durations were an independent risk factor for the development of irAEs. In our case, it was rare that such severe AEs occurred after just one cycle of immunotherapy[24]. Susana also indicated that the median PFS was 9.49 mo in the group with irAEs vs 1.99 mo in the group without irAEs (P < 0.0001) in NSCLC treated with nivolumab[25]. In our case, the condition of the patient was stable for up to 6 mo just after one cycle of the treatment. Thus, we speculate that skin toxicities and delayed immunological effects both contributed to such a long progression-free survival time.

There is no standard treatment regimen for SJS[26], and multidisciplinary care, best supportive care, and corticosteroids are currently the most important components of its therapy[20]. By applying high-dose corticosteroids early, we can rapidly arrest SJS, while the optimal cutoff time of corticosteroids remains controversial because of its adverse drug reaction[27]. From the author’s perspective, the appropriate duration of high-dose corticosteroids is within 4 wk. The combination of IVIG and steroids seems to bring better outcomes to patients with SJS[28].

In addition to corticosteroids and IVIG, drugs that suppress the immune response or inflammatory factors are also being tried in the treatment of SJS. Over the last several years, several retrospective trials have advocated the benefits of cyclosporine in the treatment of SJS/TEN[29,30]. Cyclosporine inhibits the activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the early phase, subsequently inhibiting the secretion of granulysin, granzyme, and perforin[31]. Despite a lack of randomized control trials, cyclosporine has proven to have a mortality benefit in the treatment of SJS/TEN without a low risk of side effects. In our case, we did not use cyclosporine due to the lack of experience in the early phase of treatment for SJS. In the late phase, we used recombinant human tumor necrosis factor receptor type II-Fc fusion protein antibody as recommended by the dermatologist. The reason we used Sepprayi is that it can reduce the level of inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inhibiting the occurrence of hypersensitivity[32]. In our case, Sepprayi had a clear effect on the improvement of the patient's inflammatory response. However, more clinical practice and data support are needed due to limited trials.

CONCLUSION

Immunotherapy, as a new treatment in the 2010s, has a definite effect on the treatment of advanced lung cancer. However, there remain many difficulties to be overcome in the treatment of serious adverse reactions related to immunotherapy. The combination of high-dose corticosteroid shock therapy, IVIG, cyclosporine, and best supportive care might reduce mortality in the treatment of SJS. The incidence of serious immune-related skin toxicity, such as SJS, is low, but the lethality is still very high. However, there is still a long way to go for immune-related adverse events, such as predictors for adverse events and ways to prevent them in advance. In future studies, we might focus more on the prediction, prevention, and treatment of irAEs, although immunotherapy is in full swing.