Influence of Melanoma Type on Incidence and Downstream Implications of Cutaneous Immune-related Adverse Events in the Setting of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that cutaneous immune-related adverse events (cirAEs) are associated with a survival benefit in the setting of advanced melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Previous studies have not examined the role of melanoma subtypes on cirAE development and downstream therapeutic outcomes.

Objective: Examine the impact of melanoma subtypes on cirAE onset and survival among ICI recipients.

Methods: Retrospective multi-institutional cohort study. Multivariate time-series regressions were utilized to assess relationships between melanoma subtype, cirAE development, and survival.

Results: Among 747 ICI recipients, 236 (31.6%) patients developed a cirAE. Patients with acral melanoma were less likely to develop a cirAE (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.41, P = .016) compared to patients with nonacral cutaneous melanoma. Across all melanoma subtypes, cirAEs were associated with reduced mortality (HR = 0.76, P = .042). Patients with acral (HR = 2.04, P = .005), mucosal (HR = 2.30, P < .001), and uveal (HR = 4.09, P < .001) primaries exhibited the worst survival.

Limitations: Retrospective cohort study.

Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate differences in cirAE development among melanoma subtypes. The presence of cirAEs was associated with better survival. Further, the lower incidence of cirAEs may be a marker of immunotherapy response, which is reflected in the association between acral melanoma and mortality.