Vitiligo Rash Linked to Skin Cancer Prognosis
Vitiligo is a condition in which patches of skin lose color (pigment), turning milky white. Several studies have looked at the relationship between this reaction and skin cancer prognosis. For patients treated with ICIs, vitiligo may mean treatment is working well. In fact, one study found skin cancer patients who developed vitiligo had a 75% lower risk of death than those without it.
What Does This Mean for Mesothelioma Patients?
Many studies support the link between side effects and ICI efficacy. But that doesn’t mean these reactions are necessary for ICIs to work, according to current research. For now, this link simply means immunotherapy side effects should not inspire despair. Patients have reason to hope these reactions may simply be a sign that treatment is working.
Regardless of any link between side effects and prognosis, patients should quickly report all reactions to their care teams. This can help doctors intervene before things become too serious. And the worst immunotherapy side effects can become life-threatening. So patients and their loved ones should prioritize getting reactions treated as swiftly as possible.
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- Source: https://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/signs-immunotherapy-may-be-working-for-you/