Management of Immune-Related Cutaneous Adverse Reactions to PD-1 and PD-L1 Inhibitors for the Inpatient Dermatologist

Purpose of Review: Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors are immunotherapeutic agents associated with a range of auto-inflammatory cutaneous toxicities. This paper reviews the clinical approach to the diagnosis and management of immune-related cutaneous adverse events (irCAEs) to PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors, with emphasis on disease processes practitioners may encounter in hospitalized patients. Recent Findings: A systematic approach for suspected irCAEs has been well-detailed in recent clinical guidelines. However, the breadth of irCAE manifestations and treatment options continues to be actively delineated in the literature. Summary: The characterization and management of irCAEs is an ever-evolving realm of oncodermatology. The dermatologist’s role is to limit morbidity and mortality, maximize quality of life, and prevent discontinuation of immunotherapy. Non-steroidal immunomodulatory agents are being increasingly utilized for moderate to severe cutaneous reactions and present an opportunity for further research into safe and effective therapies.