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Dermatology Online Journal

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Erythema multiforme major in a patient with metastatic melanoma treated with nivolumab

Abstract

Nivolumab, a relatively novel immune checkpoint inhibitor with FDA approval in 2014, is gaining greater utilization due to its efficacy in treating metastatic melanoma. Many of the cutaneous immune-related adverse events (irAEs) being catalogued do not necessitate discontinuation of immunotherapy and are managed with supportive therapy. We present a case of erythema multiforme major secondary to nivolumab requiring hospitalization and discontinuation of treatment. This is only the second reported case of nivolumab-induced erythema multiforme in the literature we are aware of, and emphasizes the importance of oncologists working in conjunction with dermatologists for prompt diagnosis and management.