[Multiple skin cancers in a patient treated with hydroxyurea]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hydroxyurea is a key treatment for chronic myeloproliferative diseases, functioning by inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase to reduce DNA synthesis.
• While effective for hematological malignancies, hydroxyurea's significant side effect is dose-dependent myelosuppression.
• Previous reports suggest a potential association between hydroxyurea use and the development of multiple skin tumors.

Observation:

• A 62-year-old patient with a 9-year history of hydroxyurea treatment for chronic myeloproliferative disease presented with multiple cutaneous neoplasms.
• This case highlights a specific adverse event potentially associated with long-term hydroxyurea therapy.

Findings:

• The patient developed multiple skin neoplasms during long-term hydroxyurea treatment.
• This case reinforces the known association between hydroxyurea and an increased risk of skin tumors.

Implications:

• The findings underscore the importance of recognizing hydroxyurea as a potential risk factor for cutaneous neoplasms.
• Continuous dermatologic surveillance is recommended for patients on long-term hydroxyurea therapy to ensure early detection of skin malignancies.
• This emphasizes the need for a balanced risk-benefit assessment in managing chronic myeloproliferative diseases with hydroxyurea.