Changes in scanographic bone mineral density in melanoma patients treated with immunotherapy: a new irAE from real-life data.

BACKGROUND

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is increasingly important in melanoma management. While ICIs are associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs), little is known about skeleton irAEs and they are felt to be poorly described.

METHODS

We conducted a real-life, retrospective cohort study to monitor bone mineral density (BMD) evolution over 2 years using routine Computed Tomography (CT) in melanoma patients treated with ICIs and to identify associated factors. This single-center study included 165 patients (mean age: 65 years; 44.2% women) treated with ICIs between 2014 and 2023. BMD was measured at baseline (T0), 1 year (T1), and 2 years (T2) on L1 vertebrae. Vertebral fractures were assessed on sagittal slices. Paired t-tests compared BMD values at the different time points, and we analyzed risk factors for BMD changes with regression models.

RESULTS

BMD significantly decreased over 2 years (mean difference: 14.02 Hounsfield Units (HU), 95% CI 10.31-17.74, p < 0.001), with bone loss rates of 5.15% and 11.91% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. Male sex (β 8.25, p = 0.002) and younger age (β -0.34, p = 0.001) were linked to greater BMD decline at 1 year. Disease progression or partial response correlated with greater reductions at 2 years. Multivariable analysis confirmed male sex as an independent risk factor for BMD loss.

CONCLUSION

ICIs are associated with significant BMD loss, particularly in men. These findings emphasize the importance of osteoporosis prevention and routine BMD monitoring during ICI therapy.