Integrated Glucocorticoids and Traditional Chinese Medicine in a Squamous Lung Cancer Patient with Dermatologic Toxicities Related to Pembrolizumab: A Case Report

• DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s507952
• Publication Date: 2025-04-09T08:20:13Z
• Authors: Yu Chen; Tongtong Wu; Guowang Yang; Jie Yu

The report presents the case of a 70-year-old man with advanced squamous lung cancer who developed dermatologic toxicities after receiving Pembrolizumab-based therapy. During acute phase, patient was treated an integrative treatment glucocorticosteroids and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) achieved superior efficacy. presented blisters papules distributed covering 60% trunk extremities, along more than 90% coverage hands feet, graded as cutaneous immune-related adverse event (irAE) 3-4 levels, accompanied by pruritus, infections, hypercoagulation, hypoproteinemia, electrolyte disturbance. He initially on intravenous glucocorticoids synchronized TCM decoctions for seven days, which effectively intercepted appearance fresh lesions, noticeable alleviation pruritus other complications. then began to taper his glucocorticoid dosage assistance TCM. Antihistamines topicals were used in first three weeks. As result, symptoms well controlled, he subsequently transferred further anti-tumor therapies. In conclusion, integrated bring out phase high-grade irAE toxicity successfully. this case, resolved rapidly, earlier tapering fewer hormonal effects, without tumor progression.