BACKGROUND: Camrelizumab is a promising anti-programmed cell death-1 agent for 
non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and induces reactive capillary hemangiomas 
(RCHs). Routine clinical management of this unique and prevalent toxicity has 
been summarized in previous studies. The objective of this study was to provide 
evidence of apatinib as a salvage therapy for RCHs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center, observational study, patients with 
NSCLC who were over 18 years of age and treated with camrelizumab were enrolled. 
The incidence of RCHs, onset and duration time, severity, evolution, and 
clinical practices, especially with apatinib, for their management and impact on 
quality of life, were recorded during a 6-month follow-up.
RESULTS: A total of 28 patients were included. The incidence of RCHs was 28.6% 
(8/28). The median onset and duration time were 6 weeks and 8 weeks, 
respectively. Six (21.4%) patients had mild and moderate RCHs and four (9.3%) 
patients achieved a rapid regression of RCHs with the application of apatinib. 
The impact of the RCHs on quality of life was limited and assessed with 
Dermatology Life Quality Index scores. No treatment-associated termination was 
observed.
CONCLUSION: The combination of camrelizumab and apatinib in the treatment of 
NSCLC reduced the incidence of RCHs. Apatinib appeared to be a salvage therapy 
of RCHs, which leads to rapid regression of RCHs with no impairment on the 
quality of life.