Lymphoma Treatment Linked to Mild Skin Reactions

Study finds 1 in 5 patients with B-cell lymphoma treated with loncastuximab develop photodistributed skin issues.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A new study found that about 20% of patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who were treated with the drug loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl developed dermatologic adverse events, most commonly mild photodistributed erythematous patches. The skin reactions were generally responsive to conservative management without requiring dose reduction or treatment interruption.

Why it matters

This study provides important real-world data on the dermatologic side effects associated with loncastuximab, a relatively new antibody-drug conjugate approved for treating certain lymphomas. Understanding the frequency and characteristics of these skin reactions can help guide clinicians in managing patients receiving this therapy.

The details

The retrospective study involved 98 patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who received loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl between 2021 and 2024. Overall, 20 patients (20%) experienced dermatologic adverse events, with the vast majority (95%) developing photodistributed erythematous patches. Most of the rashes were mild, with 10 cases being grade 1 and 8 cases grade 2 in severity. Prior radiation exposure and use of concurrent photosensitizing medications were not associated with the development of these skin reactions. The photodistributed reactions generally resolved with topical care, and no patients required interruption or discontinuation of the lymphoma treatment due to dermatologic toxicity.

  • The study period was from January 2021 to December 2024.
  • The median onset of the photodistributed skin reactions was 34 days after starting loncastuximab treatment.

The players

Grant J. Riew

The lead author of the study, from Harvard Medical School and the Department of Dermatology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

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What they’re saying

“'DAEs with loncastuximab tesirine are generally responsive to conservative management without necessitating dose reduction or treatment interruption.'”

— Grant J. Riew, Lead author (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

What’s next

Future studies should explore associations between the dermatologic adverse events and tumor response, as well as evaluate the role of sun protection in mitigating these skin reactions.

The takeaway

This study provides important real-world data on the skin-related side effects of the lymphoma drug loncastuximab, showing they are generally mild and manageable with conservative treatment. Understanding these dermatologic adverse events can help guide clinicians in caring for patients receiving this therapy.