Immune checkpoint-mediated psoriasis: A multicenter European study of 115 patients from the European Network for Cutaneous Adverse Event to Oncologic Drugs (ENCADO) group

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)–mediated psoriasis poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Objective: To report data on ICI-mediated psoriasis, emerging from the largest cohort to date, to our knowledge, and to propose a step-by-step management algorithm. Methods: The medical records of all patients with ICI-mediated psoriasis were retrospectively reviewed across 9 institutions. Results: We included a cohort of 115 individuals. Grade 1, 2, and 3 disease severity was reported in 60 of 105 (57.1%, 10 missing data), 34 of 105 (32.4%), and 11 of 105 (10.5%), respectively. The ratio between exacerbation and de novo cases was 1:4.3. The most common systemic therapy was acitretin (23 patients, 20.1%), followed by systemic steroids (8 patients, 7%), apremilast (7 patients, 6.1%), methotrexate (5 patients, 4.3%) and biologics (4 patients, 3.6%). Overall, 29 of 112 patients (25.9%) interrupted and 20 of 111 (18%) permanently discontinued ICIs because of psoriasis. Body surface area of greater than 10% at baseline had a 3.6 increased risk for ICI treatment modification (odds ratio, 3.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-10.45; P =.03) and a 6.4 increased risk for permanent discontinuation (odds ratio, 6.41; 95% confidence interval, 2.40-17.11; P <.001). Guttate psoriasis and grade 2 or 3 disease were significant positive predictors for antitumor response of ICI, whereas pruritus was a negative predictor. Limitations: Retrospective design. Conclusion: Acitretin, apremilast, and methotrexate are safe and effective modalities for ICI-mediated psoriasis. In most cases, ICI can be completed unhindered. A therapeutic algorithm is proposed.