Acta Scientific Medical Sciences (ASMS)(ISSN: 2582-0931)

Review Article Volume 10 Issue 9

Early-Onset Immune-Mediated Dermatitis Associated with Pembrolizumab: A Case Report

Dr. Iara Izquierdo Mielich, Dr. Janeth Lara Alcántara*, Johanna Ayeray Costa, Facundo Salazar Molina, Fernando Solarz, Florencia Ovejero, Agustina Potente, M Paula Pinto and Patricio Servienti

Oncology Department, Clinic, Dr. Teodoro Álvarez General Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina

*Corresponding Author: Dr. Janeth Lara Alcántara, Oncology Department, Clinic, Dr. Teodoro Álvarez General Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Received: June 01, 2026; Published: September 16, 2026


Immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors has transformed the therapeutic approach to multiple neoplasms by enhancing the antitumor immune response by activating T lymphocytes. The disinhibition of these regulatory pathways are associated with a distinctive profile of inflammatory toxicities, termed immune-mediated adverse events, secondary to exacerbated immune activation and loss of peripheral tolerance. These events can involve multiple organs and systems, with the skin being one of the most frequently affected.

Cutaneous manifestations usually present early and, although in most cases correspond to low-grade events, they can evolve into severe forms that require early recognition and a timely therapeutic approach. In this context, we present a case of early-onset immune-mediated dermatitis associated with the use of a PD-1 inhibitor.

Objective: To report a case of pembrolizumab-induced grade 3 immune-mediated dermatitis in a patient with advanced cervical cancer and to analyze its clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and treatment according to current guidelines.

Material and Methods: We report the clinical case of a patient with advanced cervical cancer (CC) who developed early-onset immune-mediated dermatitis associated with treatment with pembrolizumab. Clinical data were obtained by reviewing the clinical history, including demographic characteristics, therapeutic scheme, time of onset of the skin condition, complementary studies, treatment instituted and evolution.

Clinical evaluation included dermatological examination and laboratory studies. Microbiological and serological studies were performed to rule out infectious etiologies, as well as skin biopsy for histopathological analysis. The severity of the adverse event was classified according to the CTCAE criteria, and therapeutic management was carried out according to the current recommendations for adverse events immunorelated (irAE). Informed consent was obtained for the publication of the case.

Results: 15 days after starting pembrolizumab, the patient presented with generalized erythematous and pruritic maculopapular rash with fever. The studies ruled out infectious etiology and skin biopsy was compatible with drug toxicity. It was interpreted as grade 3 (G3) immune-mediated dermatitis, immunotherapy was discontinued, and intravenous corticosteroid therapy was initiated, with complete resolution of the condition at 48 hours.

Conclusion: Immune-mediated dermatitis represents a common and potentially serious adverse event associated with immunotherapy. Its early recognition and timely management, in accordance with current guidelines, allow for rapid clinical resolution and contribute to optimizing the care and safety of cancer patients.

Keywords: Immunotherapy; Immune-Mediated Dermatitis, Immune-Related Toxicity

References

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Citation

Citation: Dr. Janeth Lara Alcántara., et al. “Early-Onset Immune-Mediated Dermatitis Associated with Pembrolizumab: A Case Report". Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 10.9 (2026): 85-89.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2026 Dr. Janeth Lara Alcántara., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.




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