Which of the following is a potential side effect of immunotherapy used in melanoma treatment?

Immunotherapy plays a significant role in the treatment of melanoma by harnessing the body's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. One of the notable side effects associated with immunotherapy is the development of skin rashes. This occurs because immunotherapeutic agents, such as checkpoint inhibitors, can trigger an immune response that may lead to inflammation of the skin or increase sensitivity to the sun, resulting in rashes.

Skin rash is a common dermatological side effect observed in patients undergoing various forms of immunotherapy, indicating that the immune system is actively responding. While other side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and vomiting can occur with certain cancer treatments, they are less characteristic of immunotherapy. Specifically, hair loss is more commonly associated with traditional chemotherapy, and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting are primarily linked to chemotherapy as well. Furthermore, increased energy levels are generally not a recognized side effect of immunotherapy; rather, patients may experience fatigue or a range of other effects depending on their individual response to treatment.

Understanding these side effects is crucial for patient management, as timely recognition and intervention can help improve patient outcomes and quality of life during treatment.