Lesions in the oral mucosa associated with the use of checkpoint inhibitors: A bibliometric and critical review

Aims: Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) linked to the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become increasingly frequent. To perform a bibliometric and critical review of the general panorama of publications on oral mucosal lesions (OML) associated with ICIs.

Methods and results: Systematized searches were performed in four databases. The included studies were organized and bibliometric and clinical data were extracted and analyzed using VantagePoint and Microsoft Excel. Most of the 35 included studies were reports or case series (n = 33/94.2%). The American authors stood out (n = 17/48.5%), with the majority presenting only one publication. Independent groups carried out most of the publications (n = 31/88.5%). Over the years, publications have increased for users of nivolumab and pembrolizumab. In 21 studies (60%), OML were more common in men, between the 6th and 9th decades of life and who had lung carcinoma (n = 13/37.1%). Pembrolizumab (n = 17/48.5%) was the most used ICI. The patients were affected by one or more OML, including: ulcers (n = 28/80%) and erythema (n = 11/31.4%). Systemic corticosteroids (n = 24/68.5%) and the discontinuation of ICI use (n = 18/51.4%) were the main approaches used.

Conclusion: OML related to the use of ICIs have become increasingly common. More accurate data need to be published.