Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus exacerbated or induced by chemotherapy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), characterized by nonscarring, photodistributed, annular or papulosquamous plaques, is occasionally induced by medication. It has been strongly associated with antihypertensive medications and terbinafine hydrochloride.

OBSERVATION:

We describe 3 women with breast cancer who developed SCLE-like eruptions after being administered doxorubicin hydrochloride and cyclophosphamide. Biopsy specimens of all 3 patients demonstrated an interface dermatitis. Treatment consisted of topical and/or systemic corticosteroids, photoprotection, and switching the chemotherapeutic regimens.

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on clinicopathologic correlation and timing of chemotherapy exposure, the patients were believed to have drug-induced SCLE. Although cutaneous eruption, pruritus, and photosensitivity are known adverse effects of doxorubicin, to our knowledge there has been only 1 previously reported case of doxorubicin-induced SCLE.

• Authors: Alisa A Funke, Carol L Kulp-Shorten, Jeffrey P Callen
• Journal: Archives of dermatology (Arch Dermatol) Vol. 146 Issue 10 Pg. 1113-6 (Oct 2010) ISSN: 1538-3652 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20956642 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Doxorubicin
• Cyclophosphamide

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antineoplastic Agents (adverse effects)
• Cyclophosphamide (adverse effects)
• Doxorubicin (adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous (chemically induced)