Acquired lipodystrophy associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Melanoma Res. 2020 Dec;30(6):599-602. doi: 10.1097/CMR.0000000000000660.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have become the mainstay of treatment for metastatic melanoma. This article presents a new case of acquired generalised lipodystrophy (AGL) during anti-programmed cell death-1 (anti-PD-1) therapy and a systematic review of the literature with an aim to further understand the pathogenesis. A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane Central databases. We identified four cases of lipodystrophy associated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, including our own. Of these, three were associated with nivolumab, and one with pembrolizumab. Body composition changes occurred at a median of 7 months after anti-PD-1 initiation. All cases reported AGL, with subcutaneous fat loss affecting majority of the body. There were three reported cases of insulin resistance associated with AGL. AGL should be a recognised adverse event associated with anti-PD-1 therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Lipodystrophy / chemically induced*
  • Melanoma / complications*
  • Melanoma / drug therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin Neoplasms / complications*
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors