Zieman, Daniel

AbstractChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable success in treating various B‐cell malignancies, redirecting T‐cell cytotoxicity toward cancer cells. Despite its efficacy, CAR‐T therapy is associated with potential risks, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and cytopenia. We present a case of a 69‐year‐old man with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma treated with axicabtagene‐ciloleucel CAR‐T therapy, who developed a rare and severe cutaneous toxicity resembling toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The patient exhibited persistent fevers, CRS, and subsequent development of a widespread erythematous macular eruption, progressing to vesiculation with bullae. Notably, allopurinol‐induced TEN was considered with the patient's recent exposure to allopurinol, although the onset and minimal mucosal involvement did not align with typical presentations of allopurinol‐induced cases. The cutaneous reaction, distinct from typical SJS/TEN, showed minimal mucosal involvement and coincided with the cytokine release storm, differing from allopurinol‐induced TEN. Despite the absence of guidelines, the patient was managed with systemic steroids, achieving significant improvement. This case expands the spectrum of CAR‐T therapy‐related cutaneous toxicities, highlighting the need for early recognition of histopathology and tailored management by dermatologists. Further understanding of these reactions is crucial for optimizing the safety profile of this groundbreaking immunotherapy.

Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes due to Hodgkin lymphoma present with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations from generalized pruritus to exfoliative erythroderma. We summarize the clinical findings and outcomes of 14 patients with Hodgkin lymphoma and associated cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes treated at Mayo Clinic over the past 3 decades. Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes may be present at the time of lymphoma diagnosis, whereas in other patients, it may appear at the time of relapse, including patients with initial absence of cutaneous manifestations during the initial lymphoma presentation. Our results indicate that complete resolution of the paraneoplastic syndrome is associated with significantly improved overall survival. Recognition of cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes is a crucial surrogate of relapsed malignancy and treatment requires targeting the underlying malignancy.

Pembrolizumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor used in many cancer types, including genitourinary cancers. Although immunotherapies have dramatically changed the landscape of cancer treatment by providing an alternative to traditional chemotherapy, they have been associated with significant immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) with wide-ranging clinical manifestations. We present the case of an elderly woman on pembrolizumab for metastatic bladder cancer who developed cutaneous IRAE with lichenoid eruptions that responded to high-dose intravenous glucocorticoids.