Cemiplimab-Induced Alopecia Areata

    March 2023 in “ International Journal of Trichology ”
    Bianca Maria Piraccini, Francesca Comito, Barbara Melotti, Ignazio Stanganelli, Metelda Medri, Francesco Savoia
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    Studysummary This case report describes the first known occurrence of alopecia areata associated with cemiplimab, an anti-PD1 drug, in a patient with a positive cancer treatment response. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    A 72-year-old man treated with cemiplimab for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma developed alopecia areata (AA) as a side effect, which resolved spontaneously after 4 months without treatment. This was the first reported case of AA associated with cemiplimab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). ICIs, including nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and ipilimumab, have been linked to AA in 1%-2% of patients, typically after 5 months of treatment. AA and other cutaneous adverse events from ICIs are due to the activation of T-cells against skin antigens. Interestingly, the development of AA during ICI treatment has been associated with better therapeutic outcomes, as seen in this case where the patient had a strong response to cemiplimab.
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