Multiple eruptive dermatofibromas occurred after receiving sequential treatment with secukinumab, guselkumab, and adalimumab: case report

Multiple eruptive dermatofibromas (MEDFs) are characterized by the rapid development of multiple dermatofibromas within a short period, often associated with underlying immune dysregulation or immunosuppressive therapies. We report a rare case of MEDFs in a young male with refractory psoriasis, who developed multiple cutaneous tumors following sequential treatment with biologic agents: secukinumab, guselkumab, and adalimumab. Despite achieving partial control of psoriasis, the patient experienced the onset of widespread, asymptomatic dermatofibromas, leading to the cessation of biologic therapy. Clinical examination, dermoscopic evaluation, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of MEDFs. The Naranjo algorithm and WHO-UMC scale suggested a probable adverse drug reaction as the causative factor. The pathogenesis may involve a Th2-polarizing immune shift and persistent activation of antigen-presenting cells, possibly triggered by the cumulative effects of the biologics used. However, as a single-case report, our findings require validation through larger cohort studies to establish causality and incidence. This case highlights the potential for MEDFs as a novel adverse effect of biologic therapies and underscores the need for awareness and monitoring of such reactions in clinical practice.

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Publication Details

Journal
Frontiers in Immunology
Published
2025-11-07
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1611831
Primary Topic
Cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders research
Type
article
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article

Multiple eruptive dermatofibromas occurred after receiving sequential treatment with secukinumab, guselkumab, and adalimumab: case report

Weiquan Chen, Ying Zhou, Lee-Shing Fang
Frontiers in Immunology
Cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders research
article

Multiple eruptive dermatofibromas occurred after receiving sequential treatment with secukinumab, guselkumab, and adalimumab: case report

Weiquan Chen, Ying Zhou, Lee-Shing Fang
article en

Abstract

Multiple eruptive dermatofibromas (MEDFs) are characterized by the rapid development of multiple dermatofibromas within a short period, often associated with underlying immune dysregulation or immunosuppressive therapies. We report a rare case of MEDFs in a young male with refractory psoriasis, who developed multiple cutaneous tumors following sequential treatment with biologic agents: secukinumab, guselkumab, and adalimumab. Despite achieving partial control of psoriasis, the patient experienced the onset of widespread, asymptomatic dermatofibromas, leading to the cessation of biologic therapy. Clinical examination, dermoscopic evaluation, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of MEDFs. The Naranjo algorithm and WHO-UMC scale suggested a probable adverse drug reaction as the causative factor. The pathogenesis may involve a Th2-polarizing immune shift and persistent activation of antigen-presenting cells, possibly triggered by the cumulative effects of the biologics used. However, as a single-case report, our findings require validation through larger cohort studies to establish causality and incidence. This case highlights the potential for MEDFs as a novel adverse effect of biologic therapies and underscores the need for awareness and monitoring of such reactions in clinical practice.

Frontiers in ImmunologyVol. 16
Guangdong Medical College (CN), Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College Hospital (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 46%
Cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders research
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Multiple eruptive dermatofibromas occurred after receiving sequential treatment with secukinumab, guselkumab, and adalimumab: case report — Weiquan Chen, Ying Zhou, et al. · Frontiers in Immunology (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS