Severe Mucositis Secondary to Pembrolizumab: Reports of Two Cases, Review of the Literature, and an Algorithm for Management.

ABSTRACT

The indications for use of programed cell death receptor (PD-1) inhibitors to treat cancer continues to expand rapidly. Treatment with PD-1 inhibitors has been associated with numerous immune-mediated mucocutaneous side effects. Here, we report 2 cases of severe mucositis caused by the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab and review the defining features of similar cases. Recognition of mucocutaneous toxicities of PD-1 inhibitors is increasingly important as their use continues to expand. A stepwise approach to diagnosis and management is also reviewed.