Radiation recall with vinorelbine and cisplatin

Radiation recall dermatitis (RRD) is an inflammatory skin reaction in a previously irradiated field in response to certain pharmacological agents. Little is known about the potential risk of RRD in response to the use of vinorelbine and cisplatin.

Herein, we report a case of RRD following the combination treatment of vinorelbine and cisplatin in a lung cancer patient with lymph node metastasis. We describe the timing and doses of radiation exposure and chemotherapy, the features of the skin reactions, the clinical management, and the outcome. We also review previous reports on RRD to explain the characteristics of the reaction and the potential mechanisms.

Clinical health care professionals should be aware of the possibility of a recall reaction whenever vinorelbine and cisplatin are used, although the frequency is probably low.