A spectrum of skin reactions caused by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate (STI 571, Glivec)

Erythema nodosum following treatment with dasatinib plus chemotherapy in a patient with myeloid blast phase of chronic myeloid leukemia

Erythema nodosum (EN) is a type of panniculitis occurring due to various conditions. It can be associated with certain malignancies or manifest as a side effect of drugs. This article presents a unique case of EN in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-blast phase) following dasatinib and chemotherapy. Timely recognition and appropriate management are crucial to alleviate symptoms and consider potential drug-induced etiology.

Bullous Pemphigoid Occurring after Stopping Imatinib Therapy of CML: Is a Continuation of Post-Treatment Follow-Up Needed?

Advancements and the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized the treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), achieving unprecedented success rates and expanding their applications to various neoplasms. However, the use of TKIs is not without its drawbacks. Skin, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems are particularly susceptible to adverse effects, including a higher incidence of autoimmune responses in treated individuals. In this report, we present a unique case of bullous pemphigoid, a rare autoimmune disease, which has not been previously associated with TKI therapy as an adverse effect, particularly appearing after discontinuing Imatinib® treatment.

Commonly prescribed medications associated with alopecia

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis and treatment of medication-associated alopecia often challenges patients and physicians. While numerous studies on the topic exist, limited information on the strength and magnitude of these studies exists.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the most commonly prescribed medications with high levels of evidence to support associations with alopecia.

METHODS

A list of most commonly prescribed medications was compiled using the "Top 100 Prescriptions, Sales" (Intercontinental Marketing Services) and "Top 200 Names Searched" (RxList.com). PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for "generic drug name" AND "alopecia" and "generic drug name" AND "hair loss." Two reviewers independently reviewed articles for drug, study type and level of evidence, and number of alopecia cases.

RESULTS

A total of 192 unique drugs were investigated, with 110 yielding positive search results. Of these, 13 were associated with alopecia in studies with strong levels of evidence (adalimumab, infliximab, budesonide, interferon β-1α, tacrolimus, enoxaparin, zoster vaccine, lamotrigine, docetaxel, capecitabine, erlotinib, imatinib, and bortezomib).

LIMITATIONS

Only full-length articles available in the English language were included. The methodology used relied on lists of drugs based on their sales rather than number of prescriptions, which likely overrepresented expensive drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Few studies with high levels of evidence have been conducted on the topic of medication-associated alopecia. The mechanisms of hair loss must be further identified to provide effective management.

IL-31, itch and hematological malignancies

Pruritus is one of the most common symptoms experienced by neoplastic patients. The pathogenesis of neoplastic itch is complex and multifactorial and could be due to an unbalanced production of humoral mediators by altered immune effector cells. IL-31 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by CD4 + T helper cells. The aim of this review was to evaluate the role of this Th2 cytokine and its receptor IL-31RA, in the onset of neoplastic pruritus. We analysed scientific literature looking for the most relevant original articles linking IL-31to itch in oncologic diseases. Interleukin-31 seems to be a main itch mediator in several hematologic disease such as Cutaneous T cells lymphomas. In these patients IL-31 was positively linked to itch level, and IL-31 matched with disease stage. IL-31 seems to play an important role in the signalling pathway involved in pruritus, but it is also suggested to play a proinflammatory and immunomodulatory role which could play a part in the progression of the neoplastic disease. Further studies will be fundamental in facing pruritus in oncologic patients, since this problem compromise their quality of life worsening an already critic picture.

Panniculitis in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma on a tyrosine kinase inhibitor

A 71-year-old female was diagnosed with localized renal cell carcinoma in July 2008 with subsequent metastasis in 2012 to the right adrenal gland, lungs, and brain. Due to disease progression, she was started on pazopanib 800 mg daily in October 2012. In November 2016, the patient developed an ill-defined, red, 10 × 15 cm indurated plaque on the left lateral upper thigh with a discrete 3 cm firm tender tumor without ulceration. An incisional biopsy was performed and showed panniculitis with features resembling sclerosing lipogranuloma. Alternative causes including rheumatologic disease and trauma were ruled out. We report the first case of pazopanib-induced panniculitis. Key clinical and histopathological features include tender subcutaneous nodules, exclusion of other causes, and fatty microcysts within a densely sclerotic background on pathology. As targeted therapies are becoming increasingly common in the field of oncology, prompt identification and reporting of adverse reactions is critical for proper management.

Cutaneous side effects in a cohort of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors: General description and further characterization, correlation with photoexposition and study of hypopigmentation as treatment's prognostic factor

Cutaneous adverse effects (AE) related to tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI) drugs have been mainly described as case reports. We have characterized their appearance and correlation with patient's photoexposition habits and, further, with treatment response, in 61 patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) treated with TKI drugs. We have found hypopigmentation in 49.2% of the cases and a statistically significant association with interferon (IFN) intake. Eyelid edema's frequency was 45.4%. Mean photo-exposure was 1.95 h/day and only 8.3% of the patients used sunscreen daily. 44.3% of the patients reported a lighter skin color with the treatment and a statistically significant relationship with conjunctival hemorrhage was also found. Concordance between patients and dermatologist was moderate (kappa index 0.41). We found xerosis (21.3%), eczematous eruptions (21.3%), melasma (4.9%) and other isolated skin problems (ie, granulomatous panniculitis) in up to 16.4% of cases. Appearance of hypopigmented macules is associated to vascular conjunctival fragility and these patients need a slightly longer time to reach a complete molecular response, but without additional changes in survival or relapse frequency. We have stablished a specific dermatologic diagnosis in all the cases and we have not found the previously published as maculopapular rashes. Hypopigmentation, the more frequent AE, was not perceived as a relevant side effect. Photosensitivity, in our cases, was not reported, although imatinib-treated patients avoided sun-exposure. In addition, we identified some nonpreviously described dermatologic conditions in patients taking TKI drugs, like granulomatous panniculitis tufted folliculitis or oral spindle cell lipoma.

Systemic Steroid Treatment for Imatinib-Associated Severe Skin Rash in Patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Phase II Study

BACKGROUND

To achieve optimal clinical outcomes in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), it is crucial to maintain sufficient dosing of imatinib. Skin rash is a common imatinib-associated adverse event and may affect compliance. This phase II study was conducted to evaluate whether imatinib-associated severe skin rash can be managed with systemic steroids without dose reduction or interruption of imatinib. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03440515.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2014 and 2016, 29 patients with imatinib-associated severe skin rash were enrolled. Skin rash of grade 2 with grade ≥2 pruritus or of grade 3 was considered severe. Oral prednisolone was administered 30 mg/day for 3 weeks, then tapered off over 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was treatment success rate (TSR). Treatment success was defined as maintaining imatinib for more than 15 weeks after completion of the steroid administration schedule without skin rash that led to additional steroid treatment or dose reduction or interruption of imatinib.

RESULTS

Of the 29 patients enrolled, 22 patients with skin rash were treated successfully (TSR, 75.8%), 2 (6.9%) were evaluated as treatment failures, and 5 (17.2%) were not evaluable. The 2-year rash-free and imatinib reduction-free interval rate was 67.2% with median follow-up of 22.0 months (range, 0.4-30.3). Recurrence of severe skin rash occurred in seven patients (24.1%). Systemic steroids were well tolerated except in one patient who experienced pneumocystis pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that imatinib-associated severe skin rash can be effectively controlled by systemic steroid treatment without interruption or dose reduction of imatinib in patients with GIST.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Imatinib has been the standard treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor in both adjuvant and palliative settings. It is crucial to maintain sufficient dosing of imatinib to achieve optimal clinical outcomes. Imatinib commonly causes imatinib-associated skin rash, which may worsen drug compliance. This phase II study demonstrated that systemic steroids could help maintaining the efficacy of imatinib by preventing interruption or dose reduction of imatinib. The present study provides a new administration strategy of systemic steroids and its efficacy and safety data. Thus, this study can be a cornerstone to establish treatment guidelines for imatinib-associated skin rash.

An Update on Drug-Induced Pigmentation

Drug-induced pigmentation accounts for up to 20% of all cases of acquired pigmentation. A thorough review of medical history and previous and ongoing medications as well as a complete skin examination can guide diagnosis. Implicated agents include alkylating/cytotoxic agents, analgesics, antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants, antiepileptics, antimalarials, antimicrobials, antiretrovirals, metals, prostaglandin analogs, and psychotropic agents, among others. Confirming true drug associations can be challenging, especially in the setting of delayed onset of pigmentation and coexisting polypharmacy.

Possible Role of Interleukin-31/33 Axis in Imatinib Mesylate-Associated Skin Toxicity

Imatinib mesylate is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKi) designed to target c-ABL and BCR-ABL, approved for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Adverse cutaneous reactions induced by imatinib are frequent, generally moderate, and dose-dependent. The aim of this work was to investigate the possible contribution of interleukin (IL)-33 and IL-31, cytokines involved in disorders associated with itching, in the pathogenesis of pruritus in a patient undergoing imatinib mesylate treatment. His IL-31 and IL-33 serum levels were significantly higher than in the control group (respectively 96.6 pg/mL vs. 7.623±7.681 pg/mL and 27.566 pg/mL vs. 6.170±7.060 pg/mL). In light of these findings, imatinib mesylate-related symptoms of dermatologic toxicities might be related to the release of IL-31 and IL-33. In particular, it is supposable that TKi usage could cause keratinocyte injury, the release of IL-33, and the consequent interaction with its receptor on mast cells that induces the secretion of several factors capable of causing skin manifestations, including IL-31, a known pruritus-inducing cytokine. This report, to the best of our knowledge, is the first work describing the possible involvement of the IL-31/IL-33 axis in the pathogenesis of skin side effects related to imatinib mesylate treatment.

Livedoid Skin Reaction Probably Due to Imatinib Therapy

Objective:

To report 3 cases of skin rash with a peculiar livedoid pattern that were probably associated with imatinib therapy.

Case Summary:

In the first case, a 74-year-old male diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), treated with imatinib 400 mg/day, developed a skin eruption with a livedoid pattern. Systemic corticosteroids were started, and skin lesions improved. The second case involved a 66-year-old male with Ph+ CML who was treated with imatinib 600 mg/day. After initiation of this treatment, he developed a skin rash with a livedoid pattern. The drug treatment was discontinued and then reintroduced. Topical corticosteroid treatment was started, resulting in total remission of the skin lesions. When the imatinib dose was progressively reintroduced, the skin lesions recurred. The patient died as a result of the progression of his disease. In the third case, a 43-year-old male with Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia was treated with imatinib 600 mg/day. After a few days of treatment, the patient developed a skin rash with a livedoid pattern. He died as a result of probable septic shock.

Discussion:

Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor that inhibits BCR/ABL tyrosine kinase. There have been several published articles on cutaneous adverse reactions related to imatinib therapy. The most common cutaneous adverse event of imatinib is a rash with variable clinical presentation. The Naranjo probability scale indicated a probable relationship between imatinib and the rash in all 3 cases reported hero.

Conclusions:

Adverse reactions to imatinib that affect the skin occur frequently. They are strongly dose dependent, self-limiting, or easily managed by lowering the dose of imatinib and, if necessary, prescribing short-term therapy with a systemic corticosteroid. Clinicians should monitor patients taking imatinib and institute treatment quickly if a rash develops.

European LeukemiaNet recommendations for the management and avoidance of adverse events of treatment in chronic myeloid leukaemia

Most reports on chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) focus on efficacy, particularly on molecular response and outcome. In contrast, adverse events (AEs) are often reported as infrequent, minor, tolerable and manageable, but they are increasingly important as therapy is potentially lifelong and multiple TKIs are available. For this reason, the European LeukemiaNet panel for CML management recommendations presents an exhaustive and critical summary of AEs emerging during CML treatment, to assist their understanding, management and prevention. There are five major conclusions. First, the main purpose of CML treatment is the antileukemic effect. Suboptimal management of AEs must not compromise this first objective. Second, most patients will have AEs, usually early, mostly mild to moderate, and which will resolve spontaneously or are easily controlled by simple means. Third, reduction or interruption of treatment must only be done if optimal management of the AE cannot be accomplished in other ways, and frequent monitoring is needed to detect resolution of the AE as early as possible. Fourth, attention must be given to comorbidities and drug interactions, and to new events unrelated to TKIs that are inevitable during such a prolonged treatment. Fifth, some TKI-related AEs have emerged which were not predicted or detected in earlier studies, maybe because of suboptimal attention to or absence from the preclinical data. Overall, imatinib has demonstrated a good long-term safety profile, though recent findings suggest underestimation of symptom severity by physicians. Second and third generation TKIs have shown higher response rates, but have been associated with unexpected problems, some of which could be irreversible. We hope these recommendations will help to minimise adverse events, and we believe that an optimal management of them will be rewarded by better TKI compliance and thus better CML outcomes, together with better quality of life.

Clinical and histopathologic analysis of 46 cases of cutaneous adverse reactions to imatinib

BACKGROUND

Although many cases of cutaneous adverse reactions to imatinib have been reported, their clinical and histopathologic characteristics are not well documented.

OBJECTIVES

The present study investigated clinical and histopathologic characteristics of cutaneous adverse reactions to imatinib.

METHODS

This retrospective study referred to 46 patients who experienced cutaneous adverse reactions to imatinib. Clinical data including age, sex, skin lesion morphology, underlying disorders, and imatinib treatment parameters (duration of imatinib medication, initial dose, and treatment modifications at the time of the study) were collected. Histopathologic data were available for all patients.

RESULTS

Cutaneous adverse reactions to imatinib developed at 1-24 weeks (median onset: 8 weeks) after imatinib administration. The severity of the reaction was categorized as grade 1 in 22%, grade 2 in 41%, and grade 3 in 37% of patients. Onset was earlier in high-severity reactions than in low-severity reactions. The severity of the reaction was dependent on imatinib dose. Grade 3 reactions were noted in nine of 16 (56%) patients administered "high-dose" (600 mg/d) imatinib. Spongiosis (78% of patients) and papillary dermal edema (83% of patients) were common histopathologic findings in the epidermis and dermis, respectively. Lymphohistiocytes were more predominant than eosinophils in dermal inflammatory infiltration. Histopathologic findings did not differ according to dose of imatinib or severity of the reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the clinical features of cutaneous adverse reactions to imatinib depend on imatinib dose and the severity of the reaction, histopathologic findings are not associated with these clinical variables.

Cutaneous adverse effects of targeted therapies: Part I: Inhibitors of the cellular membrane

There has been a rapid emergence of numerous targeted agents in the oncology community in the last decade. This exciting paradigm shift in drug development lends promise for the future of individualized medicine. Given the pace of development and clinical deployment of targeted agents with novel mechanisms of action, dermatology providers may not be familiar with the full spectrum of associated skin-related toxicities. Cutaneous adverse effects are among the most frequently observed toxicities with many targeted agents, and their intensity can be dose-limiting or lead to therapy discontinuation. In light of the often life-saving nature of emerging oncotherapeutics, it is critical that dermatologists both understand the mechanisms and recognize clinical signs and symptoms of such toxicities in order to provide effective clinical management. Part I of this continuing medical education article will review in detail the potential skin-related adverse sequelae, the frequency of occurrence, and the implications associated with on- and off-target cutaneous toxicities of inhibitors acting at the cell membrane level, chiefly inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor, KIT, and BCR-ABL, angiogenesis, and multikinase inhibitors.

Imatinib mesylate-induced pseudoporphyria in two children

Imatinib mesylate was the first of several tyrosine kinase inhibitors approved for use in the treatment of a number of human cancers. Adverse cutaneous reactions to imatinib are common. Pseudoporphyria has been infrequently reported in adults undergoing imatinib therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia. We present two children with pseudoporphyria induced by imatinib therapy for hematologic malignancies. In view of the burgeoning use of imatinib in children, physicians should be aware that pseudoporphyria may develop as a consequence of imatinib therapy.

Hypopigmented macules secondary to imatinib for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia: a histopathologic and immunohistochemical study

BACKGROUND

A few series addressing the cutaneous side effects related to imatinib in the skin have been published, but only one described scarce histopathologic information in seven patients.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize these lesions and compare the number of melanocytes between hypopigmented lesions and normal appearing skin.

METHODS

We retrieved clinical data of the patients and performed 24 skin biopsies (13 from hypopigmented skin and 11 from normal-appearing skin) within a cohort of 41 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with imatinib. We classified the biopsies into three patterns.

RESULTS

About 45% of patients presented with periocular hypopigmentation. Perifollicular fibrosis was observed in hypopigmented skin biopsies (76.9%) and in normal-appearing skin (45.5%). Epidermal melanin, as determined with Masson-Fontana staining, and melanocyte number, as evaluated with MiTF, Melan A and c-kit immunostains, were lower in hypopigmented skin.

CONCLUSIONS

Histopathologic study of hypopigmented macules demonstrates the presence of melanin with a statistically significant decrease in the number of melanocytes. Therefore, these findings differ from vitiligo, as melanocytes are present. Three histopathological patterns may be found, namely (a) perifollicular fibrosis, (b) lichen planopilaris-like and (c) apparently normal skin. One of the most striking histopathologic finding consisted of the presence of perifollicular fibrosis in both hypopigmented lesions and apparently normal skin.

Adverse skin effects of imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor

Imatinib mesylate is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets the BCR-ABL, c-kit, and PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) receptors. Imatinib is mainly indicated for chronic myeloid leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors but is also prescribed by dermatologists for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, systemic sclerosis, and systemic mastocytosis, among other conditions. Most adverse effects are mild or moderate and therapy is generally well tolerated. Adverse skin effects are very common and include nonspecific manifestations such as edema and maculopapular rashes or eruptions of diverse types (lichenoid or psoriasiform lesions, acute generalized exanthematic pustulosis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and more). Identifying and properly treating these reactions can help optimize adherence to treatment and improve the prognosis of the underlying disease.

Imatinib, dasatinib and nilotinib: a review of adverse cutaneous reactions with emphasis on our clinical experience

In the last years, several tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed and approved for human cancer treatment. Imatinib mesylate was the first of this novel family of drugs that target cancer-specific molecules and signalling pathways. The appearance of imatinib resistances led to the introduction of second-generation TKIs with higher potency and selectivity, such as dasatinib and nilotinib. However, the range of activity of these agents is not simply directed at tumour cells. Patients and their clinicians are indeed frequently confronted with the cutaneous side-effects associated with the employ of these drugs, which represent the most common non-hematological adverse reactions. For this reason, a systematic dermatological survey of patients receiving these therapies is highly important, and an early and appropriate dermatological treatment is required. In this review, we analyse the clinical and pathological characteristics of the most commonly reported adverse skin events associated with first- and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors, with a particular emphasis on our clinical experience.

Imatinib-induced Stevens-Johnsons syndrome

Imatinib mesylate is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used widely as the first-line treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). The side-effect profile of this drug includes fluid retention, muscle cramps, diarrhoea, myelosuppression and skin rashes. Of these, rashes of the type maculo-papular eruptions and oedema developed most commonly. The cutaneous adverse reactions other than maculo-papular eruptions are rare with imatinib. Severe and life-threatening cutaneous reactions can occur in 5% cases. Here, the author reports a case of newly diagnosed CML that developed Steven-Johnsons syndrome due to imatinib therapy. Patient responded and discharged successfully on withdrawal of the culminating drug.

Adverse cutaneous reactions secondary to tyrosine kinase inhibitors including imatinib mesylate, nilotinib, and dasatinib

Imatinib mesylate is the first of a novel group of drugs that specifically target protein tyrosine kinases, which are central to the pathogenesis of human cancer. It has been approved for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumor and has been found efficacious in other neoplastic diseases. Nilotinib and dasatinib, a second-generation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), were developed in response to findings of emerging imatinib resistance or intolerance to the drug. Cutaneous reactions are the most common nonhematologic side effect of these drugs, and their management is challenging especially in the absence of alternative anticancer agents. The present review focuses on the clinical characteristics and the hypothesized molecular pathogenesis of these first- and second-generation TKIs' cutaneous side effects, and approaches to their treatment. The wide range of adverse effects clarifies the difficulty in designing a truly antitumoral TKI.

Acne rosacea associated imatinib mesylate in a gastrointestinal stromal tumor patient

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are targeted treatments for various cancers. Skin toxicities are one of the most common nonhematological side-effects of TKIs. We report an imatinib mesylate (IM) induced hyperpigmented acne rosacea (AR) and sunitinib-induced palmar hyperkeratosis in the case with gastrointestinal stromal tumor. AR was arisen due to the discontinuation of IM. To the best of our knowledge, this kind of cutaneous side-effect with IM has not been documented previously.

Oral lichenoid eruption secondary to imatinib (Glivec®)

BACKGROUND

Oral lichenoid drug eruption (OLE) is a self-restricted inflammatory condition usually secondary to a variety of drugs and dental materials (mercury, gold), and rarely to immunomodulators and new antineoplastic agents such as imatinib mesylate (Glivec). OLE clinical features are reminiscent of lichen planus and include symmetric and asymptomatic, erythematous, reticulated and painful ulcerated plaques. Histological examination reveals perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate and the presence of eosinophils that obscures the dermal-epidermal junction, with acanthosis and mild hyperkeratosis.

METHODS

A 62-year-old man was treated with Glivec for metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST).

RESULTS

The patient presented with grey-violaceous plaques on both cheek mucosal surfaces and the lateral sides of the tongue and labial mucosa, with a reticular pattern resembling oral lichen planus. These lesions appeared approximately 1 year after therapy and partially subsided in about 10 weeks, to clear after topical corticosteroids and oral omeprazole. The diagnosis of OLE induced by imatinib was confirmed by histological biopsy evaluation; immunohistochemical analysis revealed intense immunoreactivity with only cytokeratins 5/6 and 14 in the epithelium of affected mucosa. All laboratory investigations proved asiderotic anaemia but excluded infectious causes.

CONCLUSION

It is believed that this patient developed imatinib-induced OLE; this relationship with therapy rather than the underlying disease rules out a paraneoplastic reaction, and negative immunofluorescence excluded autoimmune dermatosis. In addition, we propose that these lesions are correlated with abnormal expression of some cytokeratins directly caused by this drug.

Chemotherapeutic agents and the skin: An update

Chemotherapeutic agents give rise to numerous well described adverse effects that may affect the skin, hair, mucous membranes, or nails. The mucocutaneous effects of longstanding agents have been extensively studied and reviewed. Over the last 2 decades, a number of new molecular entities for the treatment of cancer have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This article reviews the cutaneous toxicity patterns of these agents. It also reviews one drug that has not received FDA approval but is in use outside the United States and is important dermatologically. Particular emphasis is placed on the novel signal transduction inhibitors as well as on newer literature pertaining to previously described reactions.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the completion of this learning activity, participants should able to list the newer chemotherapeutic agents that possess significant mucocutaneous side effects and describe the range of reactions that are seen with each drug. In addition, they should be able to formulate appropriate management strategies for these reactions.

Desensitization to imatinib in patients with leukemia

BACKGROUND

Imatinib mesylate is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and hypereosinophilic syndrome. Imatinib is associated with a variety of adverse cutaneous reactions, including urticaria, maculopapular exanthem, generalized exanthematous pustulosis, exfoliative dermatitis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral desensitization by administering incremental dosages of imatinib mesylate to patients with leukemia who have had rashes associated with prior exposure.

METHODS

Ten patients with leukemia and imatinib-associated recurrent rash underwent a 4-hour outpatient oral desensitization procedure. Beginning with 10 ng, we administered oral imatinib elixir in increasing dosages every 15 minutes. Patient outcomes were monitored by a return clinic visit and by telephone follow-up for a median of approximately 3 years.

RESULTS

No episodes of anaphylaxis or serious adverse effects occurred during or immediately after desensitization. Four patients (all with urticaria) had no recurrence of rash after desensitization, and 4 had recurrent rash that resolved after temporary glucocorticosteroid and antihistamine administration. Two patients developed a recurrent rash 5 hours and several days after the procedure and were unable to resume therapy.

CONCLUSION

This oral desensitization protocol appears to help some leukemic patients with recurrent rash tolerate imatinib mesylate, thus permitting continuation of this life-prolonging therapy. These findings suggest that some adverse cutaneous reactions to imatinib may be due to a hypersensitivity mechanism rather than a pharmacologic effect.

DRESS (Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) après traitement par imatinib (Glivec)

BACKGROUND

Imatinib (Gleevec) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia. We describe a case of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) after institution of treatment with imatinib.

PATIENT AND METHODS

A 78-year-old woman was treated with low-dose imatinib for chronic myeloid leukemia since November 2003. A macular and pruritic eruption appeared on the patient's trunk after 7 weeks of treatment and gradually worsened. After 1 month, she was admitted for generalized skin eruption with fever and diffuse lymphadenopathy. Laboratory data showed hypereosinophilia and blood cultures positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Imatinib was stopped and replaced with hydroxyurea (Hydrea). Improved clinical and laboratory results were seen with antibiotics and topical steroids.

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, this is the first case of DRESS following treatment with imatinib. Cutaneous reactions to imatinib are frequent and are usually mild, comprising maculopapular eruption, pruritus and facial edema. Few cases of serious skin reactions have been reported until now. Several authors suggest that the prevalence and severity of cutaneous manifestations are related to a pharmacologic effect of imatinib. Our observation cannot rule out an underlying immunologic mechanism. Septicemia may also play a part in the development of DRESS.

Severe Pustular Eruption Associated with Imatinib and Voriconazole in a Patient with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Imatinib is a specific and potent inhibitor of the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase. Several clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia. Adverse cutaneous reactions induced by imatinib are frequent and may be dose related. We report a case of an unusual pustular eruption in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia, who received high doses imatinib for blast crisis and later voriconazole for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. At the time of his skin eruption, elevated plasma levels of imatinib were recorded. Imatinib is primarily metabolized by the cytochrome CYP3A4. Voriconazole is a cytochrome CYP3A4 inhibitor and can lead to high plasma levels of imatinib. This case suggests that severe drug reactions to imatinib may be related not only to imatinib doses, but also to elevated plasma drug levels resulting from pharmacokinetic interactions. The monitoring of imatinib plasma levels may be of help for identifying patients at risk for severe toxicity.

Early and tardive skin adverse events in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients treated with imatinib

Imatinib related non-haematological side-effects are reported in <10% of chronic myeloid leukaemia patients and include oedema, weight gain, nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps. Cutaneous reactions are well-recognized events occurring mostly in patients treated at doses of 600 mg/d and higher, either in stable or progressive disease. We report on our experience relating to dermatological toxicities in imatinib treated CML patients showing a spectrum of skin reactions ranging from rashes to cutaneous carcinoma.