Background Nivolumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that selectively blocks the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). Nowadays, immune checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab are used in the treatment of many different types of cancer. In prospective clinical trials, the duration of therapy with nivolumab has been defined as up to the time of progressive disease or treatment limiting toxicity. Case reports In this article, we present two advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients that were treated with anti-PD-1 monotherapy in the second-line setting. They have received nivolumab for nine and five months, respectively. After discontinuation of immunotherapy agent because of socioeconomic reasons, they had a durable response. Management and outcome After the discontinuation of nivolumab in the absence of progression or toxicity, the clinic and radiologic response are still ongoing. Discussion Optimal duration of anti-PD-1 therapy has not been established. There are some reports that indicate the durable response for the patients who have interrupted immunotherapy because of toxicity. Here, we present two advanced NSCLC patients having a durable response after discontinuing the treatment in the absence of toxicity and disease progression. More extensive research is needed to determine which subgroups of patients treated with immunotherapy can cease treatment and maintain an ongoing response.

Introduction Renal cell carcinomas account for 90% of all malignant neoplasms of the kidney. The most common types of renal cancer in adults are clear cell and papillary renal cell carcinoma; sporadic cases of renal carcinomas containing chromosomal translocations are rare, more usually occurring in children and young adults. Nivolumab (a fully human immunoglobulin G4 PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor antibody) has received the Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma in patients who have received prior antiangiogenic therapy. Skin reactions are the most common side-effects under treatment with anti-PD-1 antibodies and play an important role for patients. Case report We report a nivolumab-induced lichen planus as an immune-related adverse event in a young woman who was treated for advanced renal cell carcinoma. After the ninth dose of nivolumab treatment, she was consulted to the dermatologist because of skin lesions, and lichen planus was diagnosed. Management and outcome She was treated with topical corticosteroids and clobetasol propionate cream. Her lesions regressed after the local therapy within one month, allowing for uninterrupted nivolumab therapy. Discussion Skin adverse events are the most common side-effects under immunotherapy and play an important role for patients and usually develop early in the course of treatment. The most frequent skin reactions are rash, pruritus, and vitiligo. Serious skin adverse events are rare and do not usually require dose reductions or treatment discontinuation. We report a nivolumab-induced lichen planus after the ninth dose of nivolumab.

Introduction Novel anti-cancer drugs such as targeted cancer therapies and immune check-point inhibitors (ICIs) have adverse events, especially concerning the skin. The aim of this study is to report an overview of the commonly consulted dermatological side effects of ICIs and targeted cancer therapies in clinical practice, along with their management. Methods In this single-center study, we evaluated consecutive oncological patients who were referred from the oncology outpatient clinic to the dermatology outpatient clinic due to skin side effects of ICIs and targeted therapies. All patients were examined and treated at the same day of referral by experienced dermatologists. Patient characteristics, clinical findings, diagnostic workups and treatments were retrieved from outpatient records. Results Sixty three patients were enrolled. Most common diagnoses were lung carcinoma, melanoma and colon carcinoma. Fifty patients (79%) were using targeted therapies while 13 (21%) were using ICIs. Xerosis was the most common side effect (44%), followed by acneiform rash, paronychia, eczema and pruritus. Majority of the side effects were grade 2 and 3. Psoriasis was a common side effect of ICIs. One patient had a newly developed dysplastic nevus on vemurafenib treatment. Oncological treatment was not withheld in any of the patients. Conclusions This study revealed the most commonly consulted skin side effects of novel anti-cancer drugs and their management in daily practice. We underlie the importance of collaborative work of oncology and dermatology professionals as early management of cutaneous side effects of targeted therapies and ICIs improves patient outcomes.

Introduction Patients with distant metastatic melanoma has a poor prognosis, with a reported median survival time of six to eight months. In modern era, survival has prolonged with the immunotherapy and targeted therapy options. Potent and selective BRAF inhibitors have been developed that specifically inhibit mutated BRAF over other RAF kinases. Vemurafenib was the first selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor developed to target the V600E allele of BRAF-mutant melanoma. Case Report In this report, we present a case of BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic melanoma, which is being treated with vemurafenib monotherapy with complete response for about seven years. Management and Outcome The patient is still being treated with vemurafenib and radiologic complete response is ongoing for about seven years. Discussion Patients treated with BRAF inhibitors monotherapy had promising response rates and improvement in the progression-free survival and overall survival, but melanoma cells became resistant very quickly, affecting the progression. In this case, we present a case that has permanent response to vemurafenib monotherapy.

Introduction c-MET is a tyrosine kinase receptor, which is encoded in part by mesenchymal-epidermal transition (MET) exon 14. Mutations in the MET gene can cause increased c-MET signaling and oncogenic stimulation. Although c-MET mutation is rare, it is a targetable driver mutation. Although the guidelines do not recommend routine screening before treatment decision, there are drugs that can be used in patients who have c-MET mutation or amplification. Case report We present a metastatic c-MET-amplified non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient who was treated with crizotinib. He was not eligible for chemotherapy because of poor performance score; c-MET amplification was investigated after the other common driver mutations were negative. Management and outcome After c-MET amplification was shown, crizotinib 250 mg BID was started. A partial response was achieved with the initiation of crizotinib, and his performance score improved after treatment. Discussion We presented a metastatic c-MET-amplified NSCLC patient, who was not eligible for standard platin doublet chemotherapy, to emphasize the importance of investigating all driver mutations, including c-MET amplification especially in patients who cannot tolerate cytotoxic chemotherapy.