Autoimmune bullous dermatoses in cancer patients treated by immunotherapy: a literature review and Italian multicentric experience

Cutaneous immune-related adverse events are frequently associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) administration in cancer patients. In fact, these monoclonal antibodies bind the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 and programmed cell death-1/ligand 1 leading to a non-specific activation of the immune system against both tumoral cells and self-antigens. The skin is the most frequently affected organ system appearing involved especially by inflammatory manifestations such as maculopapular, lichenoid, psoriatic, and eczematous eruptions. Although less common, ICI-induced autoimmune blistering diseases have also been reported, with an estimated overall incidence of less than 5%. Bullous pemphigoid-like eruption is the predominant phenotype, while lichen planus pemphigoides, pemphigus vulgaris, and mucous membrane pemphigoid have been described anecdotally. Overall, they have a wide range of clinical presentations and often overlap with each other leading to a delayed diagnosis. Achieving adequate control of skin toxicity in these cases often requires immunosuppressive systemic therapies and/or interruption of ICI treatment, presenting a therapeutic challenge in the context of cancer management. In this study, we present a case series from Italy based on a multicenter, retrospective, observational study, which included 45 patients treated with ICIs who developed ICI-induced bullous pemphigoid. In addition, we performed a comprehensive review to identify the cases reported in the literature on ICI-induced autoimmune bullous diseases. Several theories seeking their underlying pathogenesis have been reported and this work aims to better understand what is known so far on this issue

Oral Minoxidil for Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA), one of the most dramatic side effects of chemotherapy, occurs in approximately 65% of patients receiving cytotoxic drugs

Impact of sun exposure on adult patients affected by atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis management is challenging and usually requires intermittent or continuous, long-term treatment with topical and/or systemic antiinflammatory agents and appropriate skin care. Most patients affected by atopic dermatitis improve during sun exposure. It has been reported that the change from a subartic/temperate to a subtropical climate for 4 weeks improved significantly skin symptoms and quality of life in children, even for 3 months after return. However, until now the effect of sun exposure on adult patients with atopic dermatitis has never been investigated

PCB Contamination in Farmed and Wild Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) from a Coastal Wetland Area in Central Italy

Food consumption is by far the main exposure route for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) for the general popolation, and fish and fishery products seem to be the main contributors to the total dietary intakeof these pollutants. In recent years some investigations have suggested that the farmed fish may be more significantly contaminated than wild fish, because of polluted feed. this study measured the levels of PCBs in wild and farmed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.), one of the most valuable and popularfish in the Italian diet, and assessed the exposure to these pollutants through fish intake.JRC.H.5-Rural, water and ecosystem resource