Efficacy of anti‐programmed cell death‐1 immunotherapy for skin carcinomas and melanoma metastases in a patient with xeroderma pigmentosum. (26th February 2018) - Salomon, G.
Summary: Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is an orphan disease of poor prognosis. We report one case of parallel efficacy with anti‐programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) antibody on both melanoma and skin carcinoma in a patient with XP. A 17‐year‐old patient presented with metastatic melanoma and multiple nonmelanoma skin cancers. He was treated with pembrolizumab, a monoclonal anti‐PD‐1 antibody, at a dose of 2 mg kg −1, every 3 weeks. Parallel therapeutic efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 was observed in metastatic melanoma and skin carcinomas, and maintained at week 24. This observation suggests anti‐PD‐1 may be considered in patients with XP and metastatic melanoma in addition to advanced nonmelanoma skin cancer. Abstract : What's already known about this topic? Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare disease with a poor outcome. XP affects nucleotide excision repair, with cutaneous, ocular and neurological manifestations. Management of patients with XP currently includes highly efficient ultraviolet protection and close dermatological follow‐up for early detection and treatment of skin carcinomas. What does this study add? We report the efficacy of anti‐programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) antibody immunotherapy for skin carcinoma in a patient with XP. Anti‐PD‐1 antibody may improve the prognosis of this rare skin condition. Linked Comment: Kraemer et al. Br J Dermatol 2018;178 :1009 .