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Real members of MyLungCancerTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone else with stage IV small-cell lung cancer experienced vitiligo as a result of immunotherapy?

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
TEXAS, TX

Hello everyone! I was diagnosed with stage IV small cell lung cancer in June, 2024. I've gone through chemotherapy and radiation. I received a year of immunotherapy using Durvalumab, but it stopped working. So, in April, my doctor recommended (and I agreed) to try a drug that's been used for other types of cancer, but not Stage IV Lung Cancer. It's Tarlatamab - so far, so good. I'll get my 1st PET SCAN using this drug on 8/10/26.🤞🏽🙏🏽

August 5
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A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I had what I thought was vertigo prior to my diagnosis and it was a brain mrt that lead to my Stage IV diagnosis.

Please let your team know right away and ask for a brain MRI.

Mine was very successfully treated by stereotactic radiation in 2015 and has remained clear ever since! 11+ years and counting 🤍

August 6
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I’m sorry / I didn’t have my glasses on 😜

August 13
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Hello Lisa, thank you for your response, but I have vitiligo, not vertigo.

August 12
MyLungCancerTeam

What a journey you've been on — and fingers crossed for that PET scan! 🤞🏽 It's great to hear Tarlatamab is going well so far. It's a newer drug that works by bringing immune cells and lung cancer cells closer together, helping your immune system target the cancer more effectively.

Regarding vitiligo from immunotherapy — Show Full Answer

What a journey you've been on — and fingers crossed for that PET scan! 🤞🏽 It's great to hear Tarlatamab is going well so far. It's a newer drug that works by bringing immune cells and lung cancer cells closer together, helping your immune system target the cancer more effectively.

Regarding vitiligo from immunotherapy — this is actually a known autoimmune side effect. Immunotherapy can sometimes over-activate the immune system, causing it to attack healthy tissues, which can include skin pigmentation cells.

Some common immunotherapy side effects to be aware of include:

- Fever or chills
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Skin rash or itching
- Joint pain
- Diarrhea While vitiligo specifically isn't always listed among the most common side effects, skin-related reactions are well-documented with immunotherapy treatments.

It's always worth flagging any new skin changes with your oncologist, as they may want to monitor it or adjust your treatment if needed. Other MyLungCancerTeam members may have had similar experiences worth exploring in the community feed!

August 5

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