[A man with blisters on hand and feet]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are a type of soft tissue sarcoma.
• Angiogenesis inhibitors are a class of drugs used to treat various cancers by blocking tumor blood vessel formation.
• Metastatic GIST requires advanced treatment strategies, including targeted therapies.

Observation:

• A 41-year-old male patient with metastatic GIST developed a severe hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR).
• The reaction presented as painful, erythematous, hyperkeratotic, and bullous lesions on the hands and feet.
• Symptoms appeared during treatment with an oral angiogenesis inhibitor.

Findings:

• The observed HFSR was strongly suspected to be an adverse effect of the oral angiogenesis inhibitor.
• Discontinuation of the angiogenesis inhibitor therapy led to the resolution of the skin reaction.
• The severity of the reaction suggests a potential dose-dependent relationship with the medication.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of recognizing HFSR as a significant side effect of angiogenesis inhibitors in cancer patients.
• Dermatological monitoring and management strategies are crucial for patients receiving these therapies.
• Understanding the dose-dependent nature of this adverse effect can guide treatment adjustments and improve patient outcomes in oncology.