Tri-Site Academic Center Experience with Immunotherapy for Metastatic Skin Cancer in Solid Organ Transplant Patients. Issue 2 (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Berman, Hannah S.; Degesys, Catherine A.; Tolaymat, Leila
• Is Part Of: Southern medical journal. Volume 116:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 220
• Page End: 224
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: immune checkpoint inhibitor -- melanoma -- organ transplant -- skin cancer -- squamous cell carcinoma; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.14423/SMJ.0000000000001508
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-4348

Abstract

Abstract : In this retrospective cohort study, the authors identified organ transplant recipients who developed metastatic skin cancer that was treated with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). ICIs have been successfully used to treat metastatic skin cancer in organ transplant patients; however, mitigating rejection is a key area of future focus to ensure safety of this treatment. Abstract : Objectives: Organ transplant recipients have an increased risk of skin cancer, but treatment options for metastatic skin cancer are limited because of their immunosuppressed state. We sought to qualify the clinical experience and patient safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for skin cancer treatment in transplant recipients at one large academic institution. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review including patients who had at least one organ transplant, a diagnosis of skin cancer, and received an ICI to treat their skin cancer. Results: Four patients met our criteria. Three received an ICI for metastatic melanoma and died secondary to their cancer. One patient, treated for squamous cell carcinoma, had remission of his cancer with ICI treatment. Only one patient had transplant rejection. Conclusions: ICIs can be used in organ transplant patients, but the risk of transplant rejection must be carefully discussed because it may be associated with an increased risk of death. A higher risk of rejection exists with anti-programmed cell death 1 and anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitors.