Acquired generalized lipodystrophy under immune checkpoint inhibition

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors-Associated Generalized Lipodystrophy: Reconstructive Challenges of an Emerging and Distinct Form of Lipodystrophy

Total and permanent loss of facial and nonfacial fat is a rare side effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Consequently, effective treatment modalities for patients remain undefined. Here, we discuss the surgical treatment of a patient with both ICI-related acquired generalized lipodystrophy (AGL). We additionally performed a comprehensive literature review (Cochrane, Embase, and MEDLINE) to summarize what is known about ICI-related lipodystrophy and available treatments for this rare complication. A 66-year-old female diagnosed with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma started ICI (pembrolizumab) treatment. She developed generalized lipodystrophy 13 months after her first cycle. Her primary concern was the loss of facial fat volume, which significantly aged her appearance. The patient underwent a 2-staged restoration of her facial fat compartments using dermal grafts from the lower abdomen and medial thighs. The patient recovered uneventfully and was satisfied with the aesthetic improvement at 18 months of follow-up. The authors identified 8 case reports with patients with ICI-AGL. The mean age was 53.63 years, and the mean BMI was 36.72 kg/m2. The average onset of symptoms was 7.44 months after ICI initiation. None of the studies described any sort of surgical or nonsurgical options to restore the volume of the facial fat compartments. The management of combined facial and nonfacial lipodystrophy remains challenging due to the lack of suitable autologous fat donor sites. In this report, the authors demonstrate that staged volume restoration can be achieved using autologous dermal grafts from the thigh, making it a viable reconstructive option in this subset of patients.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced cutaneous toxicities: a review of histopathologic and clinical features

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent an emerging treatment option for a variety of cancer types. Through inhibition of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and/or cytotoxic lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), ICIs activate the host's immune system causing a heightened anti-tumor response. However, off-target effects of ICIs can result in numerous different immune-related cutaneous adverse events (irCAEs). Beyond impacting quality of life, irCAEs can lead to dose limitations or discontinuation of anti-cancer therapies. Correct diagnosis is necessary for expedient and appropriate management. Skin biopsies are often performed to increase diagnostic accuracy and guide clinical management. An extensive literature review was performed using the PubMed database to identify the reported clinical and histopathologic features of irCAEs. This comprehensive review primarily details the histopathologic features of various irCAEs reported to date. Clinical presentation and immunopathogenesis are also discussed in relation to histopathology.

A Concerted Vision to Advance the Knowledge of Diabetes Mellitus Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

The rubric of immune-related (ir) diabetes mellitus (DM) (irDM) encompasses various hyperglycemic disorders related to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis). Beyond sharing similarities with conventional DM, irDM is a distinct, yet important, entity. The present narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the literature regarding irDM published in major databases from January 2018 until January 2023. Initially considered rare, irDM is increasingly being reported. To advance the knowledge of irDM, the present review suggests a concerted vision comprising two intertwined aspects: a scientific-centered and a patient-centered view. The scientific-centered aspect addresses the pathophysiology of irDM, integrating: (i) ICPi-induced pancreatic islet autoimmunity in genetically predisposed patients; (ii) altered gut microbiome; (iii) involvement of exocrine pancreas; (iv) immune-related acquired generalized lipodystrophy. The patient-centered aspect is both nurtured by and nurturing the four pillars of the scientific-centered aspect: awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of irDM. The path forward is a multidisciplinary initiative towards: (i) improved characterization of the epidemiological, clinical, and immunological profile of irDM; (ii) standardization of reporting, management, and surveillance protocols for irDM leveraging global registries; (iii) patient stratification according to personalized risk for irDM; (iv) new treatments for irDM; and (v) uncoupling ICPi efficacy from immunotoxicity.

Marked Hypoleptinemia Precedes Overt Fat Loss in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-induced Acquired Generalized Lipodystrophy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting cancer cells that evade immune T-cell regulation have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic carcinomas. Unfortunately, secondary endocrinopathies associated with ICI, including adrenal insufficiency, primary hypothyroidism, autoimmune diabetes, and rarely hypoparathyroidism, are increasing. Lipodystrophy, presumably due to the autoimmune destruction of adipocytes, leading to metabolic complications, is a less recognized adverse effect of ICI therapy. We present a case of a 66-year-old Caucasian woman treated with pembrolizumab, an anti-programmed death 1 inhibitor, for metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Fifteen months after the treatment initiation, she was found to have hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic steatosis but without any evidence of autoimmune diabetes. She was also noted to have isolated buccal fat pad loss, raising suspicion of acquired lipodystrophy. Despite well-preserved subcutaneous fat over the trunk and limbs, she had undetectable serum leptin levels. Whole-body fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography scan showed diffuse mild FDG activity throughout the subcutaneous tissue, suggesting underlying inflammation. Over the next 3 months, she developed progressive fat loss leading to generalized lipodystrophy. Adipose tissue dysfunction, secondary to ICI-induced subclinical panniculitis, precedes overt fat loss and is characterized by hypoleptinemia and metabolic abnormalities.

Autoantibodies to Perilipin-1 Define a Subset of Acquired Generalized Lipodystrophy

Acquired lipodystrophy is often characterized as an idiopathic subtype of lipodystrophy. Despite suspicion of an immune-mediated pathology, biomarkers such as autoantibodies are generally lacking. Here, we used an unbiased proteome-wide screening approach to identify autoantibodies to the adipocyte-specific lipid droplet protein perilipin 1 (PLIN1) in a murine model of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1). We then tested for PLIN1 autoantibodies in human subjects with acquired lipodystrophy with two independent severe breaks in immune tolerance (including APS1) along with control subjects using a specific radioligand binding assay and indirect immunofluorescence on fat tissue. We identified autoantibodies to PLIN1 in these two cases, including the first reported case of APS1 with acquired lipodystrophy and a second patient who acquired lipodystrophy as an immune-related adverse event following cancer immunotherapy. Lastly, we also found PLIN1 autoantibodies to be specifically enriched in a subset of patients with acquired generalized lipodystrophy (17 of 46 [37%]), particularly those with panniculitis and other features of autoimmunity. These data lend additional support to new literature that suggests that PLIN1 autoantibodies represent a marker of acquired autoimmune lipodystrophies and further link them to a break in immune tolerance.

Lipodystrophy for the Diabetologist-What to Look For

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Genetic or acquired lipodystrophies are characterized by selective loss of body fat along with predisposition towards metabolic complications of insulin resistance, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, hepatic steatosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and acanthosis nigricans. In this review, we discuss the various subtypes and when to suspect and how to diagnose lipodystrophy.

RECENT FINDINGS

The four major subtypes are autosomal recessive, congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL); acquired generalized lipodystrophy (AGL), mostly an autoimmune disorder; autosomal dominant or recessive familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD); and acquired partial lipodystrophy (APL), an autoimmune disorder. Diagnosis of lipodystrophy is mainly based upon physical examination findings of loss of body fat and can be supported by body composition analysis by skinfold measurements, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging. Confirmatory genetic testing is helpful in the proband and at-risk family members with suspected genetic lipodystrophies. The treatment is directed towards the specific comorbidities and metabolic complications, and there is no treatment to reverse body fat loss. Metreleptin should be considered as the first-line therapy for metabolic complications in patients with generalized lipodystrophy and for prevention of comorbidities in children. Metformin and insulin therapy are the best options for treating hyperglycemia and fibrates and/or fish oil for hypertriglyceridemia. Lipodystrophy should be suspected in lean and muscular subjects presenting with diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or amenorrhea. Diabetologists should be aware of lipodystrophies and consider genetic varieties as an important subtype of monogenic diabetes.

Endocrine immune-related adverse events: Adrenal, parathyroid, diabetes insipidus, and lipoatrophy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are being prescribed increasingly widely for a range of malignancies. They are effective at treating certain cancers, but also have significant side effects. Evidence suggests that efficacy is greatest in patients who experience one or more immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Common irAEs include skin and hepatic reactions, and a range of immune-related endocrinopathies. These include hypophysitis, thyroid disease, and autoimmune diabetes mellitus, and rarer endocrinopathies such as primary adrenal insufficiency, diabetes insipidus, parathyroid disease, autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, lipodystrophy, and ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. Herein, we review the current literature related to these rarer immunotherapy-induced endocrinopathies.

Autoimmunity in lipodystrophy syndromes

Lipodystrophy syndromes are rare, heterogeneous disorders characterized by the complete or partial deficiency of adipose tissue and are classified according to the extent of fat loss in generalized or partial subtypes, or based on the pathogenic mechanisms in genetic or acquired. While in most cases of congenital forms of lipodystrophy a genetic alteration can be identified, the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for the acquired diseases are not fully clarified. Based on the evidence of a positive association between most acquired lipodystrophies and autoimmune disorders including immune mediated alterations in the adipose tissue of patients affected by acquired lipodystrophy, a reaction against white adipose tissue antigens is postulated. Recent acquisitions have shed new light on the possible pathogenic mechanisms and identified novel forms of acquired lipodystrophy which are possibly immune-mediated. The aim of this review is to give an update on acquired lipodystrophies describing pathogenic mechanisms involved and the relationships between acquired lipodystrophies and other autoimmune disorders. Larger studies based on international disease registries are needed to collect accurate information on the prevalence, risk factors, genetic predisposition, natural history, disease markers and treatment efficacy of these ultrarare disorders.

Cutaneous adverse events caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors

IMPORTANCE

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as active therapies for a variety of cancers. Cutaneous toxicities are common immune-related adverse events and patients will often be referred to dermatologists for evaluation.

OBSERVATIONS

Cutaneous adverse events to ICIs can have a variety of clinical presentations. Among the more common are eczematous, morbilliform, and lichenoid dermatoses, as well as vitiligo and pruritus. Less common adverse events include psoriasiform dermatoses, bullous disorders, and severe cutaneous adverse reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. Because of the immunologic mechanism of ICIs, there are also a variety of rheumatologic adverse reactions with cutaneous manifestations, such as scleroderma, dermatomyositis, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and various vasculitides. These cutaneous reactions often respond to topical or systemic steroids, although specific toxicities may have alternative treatments available.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

As they become more widely prescribed, dermatologists will see an increasing number of patients with cutaneous adverse events caused by ICI therapies. Accurately diagnosing and treating these toxicities is paramount to achieving the most favorable outcomes for patients.

Immunotherapy-Associated Pancreatic Adverse Events: Current Understanding of Their Mechanism, Diagnosis, and Management

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) monoclonal antibodies, are involved in T cell-mediated immune response augmentation and promote anti-tumor immunity. Cancer patients treated with combination of immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy exhibit superior clinical outcomes and tolerance compared with patients treated with monotherapies. However, immutherapy is associated with several concomitant immune-related adverse events (irAEs). For instance, IrAEs interferes with function of gastrointestinal tract, endocrine, dermatological, nervous system and musculoskeletal systems. ICIs-associated pancreatic injury might causes decrease in endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function, resulting in metabolic and nutritional disorders. Clinicians who administer immune checkpoint inhibitors to cancer patients are diagnosed with hyperglycemia, abdominal pain and steatorrhea. Currently, the precise mechanism of ICIs-associated pancreatic injury has not been fully explored. This paper summarizes incidence, diagnosis, clinical characteristics, potential mechanisms, and treatment management patterns of ICIs-associated pancreatic AEs based on previous studies. In addition, possible management approaches of these adverse effects are presented in this paper. in the findings summarized in this paper lay a basis for management of ICIs-associated pancreatic AEs and expanding future immunotherapy applications.

Characterization of hyperglycemia in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors: Beyond autoimmune insulin-dependent diabetes

AIMS

Immune-mediated beta cell destruction is known to cause hyperglycemia in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) cancer therapy. However, it is uncommon, and little is known about the full spectrum of hyperglycemia in patients receiving ICIs. We aimed to characterize the prevalence and factors associated with hyperglycemia in patients treated with ICIs.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients receiving ICIs at an NCI-designated Cancer Center. We assessed the proportion of patients with new onset hyperglycemia (random glucose >11.1 mmol/L) after starting ICIs and used logistic regression to determine hyperglycemia predictors in patients without known diabetes.

RESULTS

Of 411 patients, 385 had post-ICI glucose data. 105 (27%) had hyperglycemia. Of this group, 29 (28%) had new onset hyperglycemia, 19 of whom had glucocorticoid-associated hyperglycemia. The remaining 10 had unexplained hyperglycemia and none had known autoimmune diabetes. Among patients without known diabetes, race/ethnicity, obesity, and pre-ICI hyperglycemia were significantly associated with hyperglycemia after starting ICIs.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that new hyperglycemia in patients receiving ICIs was most commonly related to glucocorticoids. A small patient subset had new unexplained hyperglycemia, suggesting ICIs might have a role in promoting hyperglycemia. Recognizing factors associated with hyperglycemia in this population is crucial for appropriate management.

The right Timing, right combination, right sequence, and right delivery for Cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy (CI) represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) presents a new paradigm for cancer treatment. However, the types of cancer that attain a therapeutic benefit from ICIs are limited, and the efficacy of these treatments does not meet expectations. To date, research on ICIs has mainly focused on identifying biomarkers and patient characteristics that can enhance the therapeutic effect on tumors. However, studies on combinational strategies for CI are being actively conducted to overcome the resistance to ICI treatment. Moreover, it has been confirmed that dramatic anticancer effects are achieved through "neoadjuvant" immunotherapy with ICIs in treatment-naïve cancer patients; consequently, it has become necessary to consider how to best apply cancer immunotherapies for patients, even with respect to their tumor stages. In this review, we sought to discuss the right timing of ICI treatment in consideration of the progression of cancer with a changing tumor-immune microenvironment. Furthermore, we investigated which types of combinational treatments and their corresponding sequences of administration could optimize the therapeutic effect of ICIs to expand the applicable target of ICIs and increase their therapeutic efficacy. Finally, we discussed several delivery pathways and methods that can maximize the effect of ICIs.

Molecular and Cellular Bases of Lipodystrophy Syndromes

Lipodystrophy syndromes are rare diseases originating from a generalized or partial loss of adipose tissue. Adipose tissue dysfunction results from heterogeneous genetic or acquired causes, but leads to similar metabolic complications with insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, dysfunctions of the gonadotropic axis and endocrine defects of adipose tissue with leptin and adiponectin deficiency. Diagnosis, based on clinical and metabolic investigations, and on genetic analyses, is of major importance to adapt medical care and genetic counseling. Molecular and cellular bases of these syndromes involve, among others, altered adipocyte differentiation, structure and/or regulation of the adipocyte lipid droplet, and/or premature cellular senescence. Lipodystrophy syndromes frequently present as systemic diseases with multi-tissue involvement. After an update on the main molecular bases and clinical forms of lipodystrophy, we will focus on topics that have recently emerged in the field. We will discuss the links between lipodystrophy and premature ageing and/or immuno-inflammatory aggressions of adipose tissue, as well as the relationships between lipomatosis and lipodystrophy. Finally, the indications of substitutive therapy with metreleptin, an analog of leptin, which is approved in Europe and USA, will be discussed.

Unravelling Checkpoint Inhibitor Associated Autoimmune Diabetes: From Bench to Bedside

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed the landscape of oncological therapy, but at the price of a new array of immune related adverse events. Among these is β-cell failure, leading to checkpoint inhibitor-related autoimmune diabetes (CIADM) which entails substantial long-term morbidity. As our understanding of this novel disease grows, parallels and differences between CIADM and classic type 1 diabetes (T1D) may provide insights into the development of diabetes and identify novel potential therapeutic strategies. In this review, we outline the knowledge across the disciplines of endocrinology, oncology and immunology regarding the pathogenesis of CIADM and identify possible management strategies.

Management of endocrine immune-related adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors: an updated review

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) belong to a new group of anticancer drugs targeting T-cell proteins involved in the activation of immune response toward malignancies. Their introduction into clinical practice was a milestone in modern cancer treatment. However, the significant advantage of ICIs over conventional chemotherapy in terms of therapeutic efficacy is accompanied by new challenges related to specific side effects. ICI-induced immune system activation could lead to the loss of self-tolerance, presenting as autoimmune inflammation and dysfunction of various tissues and organs. Thus, the typical side effects of ICIs include immune-related adverse events (irAEs), among which endocrine irAEs, affecting numerous endocrine glands, have been commonly recognized. This review aimed to outline the current knowledge regarding ICI-induced endocrine disorders from a clinical perspective. We present updated information on the incidence and clinical development of ICI-induced endocrinopathies, including the most frequent thyroiditis and hypophysitis, the rarely observed insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and primary adrenal insufficiency, and the recently described cases of hypoparathyroidism and lipodystrophy. Practical guidelines for monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of ICI-related endocrine toxicities are also offered. Rising awareness of endocrine irAEs among oncologists, endocrinologists, and other health professionals caring for patients receiving ICIs could contribute to better safety and efficacy. As immunotherapy becomes widespread and approved for new types of malignancies, increased incidences of endocrine irAEs are expected in the future.

A CASE OF ACQUIRED GENERALIZED LIPODYSTROPHY ASSOCIATED WITH PEMBROLIZUMAB IN A PATIENT WITH METASTATIC MALIGNANT MELANOMA

Objective

To describe an unusual immune-related adverse event (irAE), acquired generalized lipodystrophy (AGL), from checkpoint inhibitor therapy in a patient treated with pembrolizumab.

Methods

This is a case report of a 67-year-old male with metastatic melanoma who was treated with pembrolizumab. Prior to pembrolizumab, the patient was treated with another immune-checkpoint inhibitor and developed autoimmune hemolytic anemia. After starting pembrolizumab, he developed a scrotal mass consistent with panniculitis and after several subsequent cycles, he developed AGL.

Results

Loss of subcutaneous fat, unexplained weight loss in combination with worsening insulin resistance and worsening hypertriglyceridemia after initiation of pembrolizumab were consistent with AGL. Autoimmune disorders and other etiologies were ruled out. Despite this irAE, the patient continued to receive pembrolizumab given stabilization of melanoma with treatment.

Conclusion

We report the second case of a patient who developed AGL secondary to pembrolizumab, and the fourth case to report such complication secondary to antiprogrammed cell death receptor-1 inhibitors. As use of checkpoint inhibitors becomes more common to treat several types of cancer, it is vital for clinicians to recognize these rare irreversible complications that are not frequently reported in clinical trials.

Side effect management during immune checkpoint blockade using CTLA-4 and PD-1 antibodies for metastatic melanoma - an update

CTLA-4 and PD-1 play a key role in tumor-induced downregulation of lymphocytic immune responses. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been shown to alter the immune response to various cancer types. Anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies affect the interaction between tumor, antigen-presenting cells and T lymphocytes. Clinical studies of the anti-CTLA-4 antibody ipilimumab and the anti-PD-1 antibodies nivolumab and pembrolizumab have provided evidence of their positive effects on overall survival in melanoma patients. Combined treatment using ipilimumab and nivolumab has been shown to achieve five-year survival rates of 52 %. Such enhancement of the immune response is inevitably associated with adverse events. Knowledge of the spectrum of side effects is essential, both in terms of prevention and management. Adverse events include colitis, dermatitis, hypophysitis, thyroiditis, hepatitis and other, less common autoimmune phenomena. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in the detection and treatment of the aforementioned immune-related adverse events. However, early diagnosis of rare neurological or cardiac side effects, which may be associated with increased mortality, frequently pose a challenge. The present update highlights our current understanding as well as new insights into the spectrum of side effects associated with checkpoint inhibitors and their management.

Cutaneous adverse reactions to anti-PD-1 treatment-A systematic review

The use of the humanized monoclonal anti-programmed cell death 1 antibodies pembrolizumab and nivolumab as potent anticancer therapies is rapidly increasing. However, since their approval, numerous cases of cutaneous reactions have been reported. Cutaneous adverse reactions to these agents have yet to be fully characterized and range from nonspecific eruptions to recognizable skin manifestations, which may be localized and vary from mild to life threatening. This systematic review article provides an overview of the various adverse cutaneous reactions to pembrolizumab and nivolumab therapy and offers suggestions for their management.

Cutaneous Adverse Events of Anti-PD-1 Therapy and BRAF Inhibitors

OPINION STATEMENT

The treatment of advanced melanoma has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last decade with the advent of targeted and immunomodulatory therapies. This transition from cytotoxic chemotherapy has yielded improvements in both survival and quality of life; yet despite their therapeutic advantages, these treatments have been associated with a diverse range of cutaneous adverse events (AEs). These range from relatively benign eczematous conditions to more severe inflammatory and bullous disorders, and can include induction of second malignancies. AEs can result in serious morbidity and risk of mortality if not recognised and managed early. As a consequence of their novelty, and rapid uptake, these agents have been subject to intense scrutiny and there is a general understanding that cutaneous AEs should be anticipated in treatment plans. Dermatologists should be integrated into management teams to assist in the development of treatment protocols for anticipated common AEs and to provide expert management of more severe, rare or unusual AEs. Our experience has shown a reduction in treatment interruptions, more rapid recognition of unusual AEs and improved management pathways for patients suffering cutaneous AEs.

Acquired lipodystrophy associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

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.