A retrospective study shows that skin-related side effects are very common in patients treated with tebentafusp for metastatic uveal melanoma, with important findings in non-White patients.
About 76.5% of patients developed a rash, often after the first infusion. Other common symptoms included itching, swelling, and dry skin. The study also found differences by race, with skin peeling and loss of skin color seen specifically in non-White patients. Researchers believe this may be due to a “vitiligo-like” effect, where the immune system attacks pigment-producing cells.
Although these side effects were frequent and sometimes severe, they did not appear to increase the risk of death from the disease. Tebentafusp works by redirecting the immune system to attack melanoma cells.
The study included 17 patients, with a mix of White and non-White participants, helping address gaps from earlier trials that lacked diversity. The findings highlight the need for careful skin monitoring, especially in underrepresented patient groups.