Pembrolizumab‐Induced Morphea in a Patient With Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma

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Authors: Matthew A. Drescher, Douglas W. Murray, Douglas J. Grider
Cited by: 1
References: 15

Abstract

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, are increasingly used in high-grade urothelial carcinomas. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are known to cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs), often involving the skin. Case Presentation: Reported is a 59-year-old woman with metastatic high-grade urothelial carcinoma of the right renal pelvis previously treated with chemoradiation and surgery. She developed morphea 1.5 years after initiating pembrolizumab therapy. The patient presented with violaceous, indurated plaques and paresthesias of the lower extremities. Biopsies revealed thickened collagen bundles and perivascular inflammation. MRI excluded eosinophilic fasciitis. She was diagnosed with pembrolizumab-induced morphea and treated with methotrexate and topical corticosteroids, leading to partial improvement. Conclusion: As immunotherapy becomes more widely used in urologic oncology, recognition of rare cutaneous irAEs such as morphea is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Renal cell carcinoma treatment

Publication details

Journal / source
Case Reports in Urology
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
2026
Issue
1
Pages
2930700–2930700
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN