Work

Cutaneous Pigmentation After Photosensitivity Induced by Vandetanib Therapy

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Photosensitivity has been reported in patients who were treated with vandetanib (ZD6474), an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, and the RET (rearranged during transfection) kinases. OBSERVATIONS: We describe the occurrence of cutaneous hyperpigmentation after photosensitivity in 2 patients who were treated with vandetanib. The pigmentation patterns were variable within and between patients. Biopsy specimens from different sites revealed variability in Perls and Fontana staining patterns. CONCLUSIONS: These 2 cases highlight the unusual occurrence of cutaneous hyperpigmentation after vandetanib-associated photosensitivity, a reaction that demonstrates that medications are important causes of acquired photosensitivity and hyperpigmentation. Aggressive photoprotection may facilitate the resolution of diffuse hyperpigmentation. Dermatologists should endeavor to identify and report novel cutaneous adverse effects as new targeted therapies are developed.

Source: Archives of Dermatology

DOI: 10.1001/archdermatol.2009.177

Authors: Heidi H. Kong, Howard A. Fine, Jere B. Stern, Maria L. Chanco Turner

Institutions: National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health

Language: English

Topic: Chemotherapy-related skin toxicity

Subfield: Dermatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institutes of Health