Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab-Induced Late Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS): A Case Report

TL;DR

A 58-year-old woman with melanoma developed a severe immune-related reaction called DRESS after treatment with pembrolizumab and nivolumab, requiring long-term immunosuppressive therapy.

Contribution

This case report highlights the delayed and chronic-relapsing nature of DRESS caused by sequential immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Findings

The patient developed DRESS after treatment with pembrolizumab and nivolumab, showing generalized rash and systemic symptoms.

Corticosteroids were insufficient, and prolonged cyclosporine was needed to manage relapses.

The case met RegiSCAR criteria for definite DRESS, emphasizing the need for awareness of delayed hypersensitivity reactions.

Abstract

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a rare, potentially life-threatening immune-related adverse event that can be triggered by immune checkpoint inhibitors. We present the case of a 58-year-old woman with malignant acral melanoma who developed late-onset DRESS following sequential treatment with pembrolizumab and nivolumab. The patient initially developed a generalized erythrodermic, scaly rash with pruritus after the third dose of pembrolizumab, which recurred upon switching to nivolumab. Laboratory evaluation revealed leukocytosis, marked eosinophilia, transaminitis, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Skin biopsies demonstrated spongiosis, basal vacuolar degeneration, eosinophilic infiltrate, and leukocytoclastic vasculitis, consistent with DRESS. Despite corticosteroid therapy, the patient experienced multiple relapses triggered by immunosuppressant tapering, requiring prolonged cyclosporine treatment. Her presentation met the registry of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (RegiSCAR) criteria for definite DRESS. This case underscores the need for heightened awareness of delayed hypersensitivity reactions to immune checkpoint inhibitors and highlights the possibility of a chronic-relapsing course requiring extended immunosuppressive therapy.

Figures