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Stevens-johnson syndrome induced by vandetanib
Jimi Yoon1, Chee Won Oh, Chi Yeon Kim
1Department of Dermatology, Institute of Health Science, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea.
Abstract:
Vandetanib is a once-daily oral anticancer drug that selectively inhibits key signaling pathways in cancer by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, epidermal growth factor receptors tyrosine kinase, and rearranged during transfection-dependent tumor cell proliferation and survival. The most frequently reported adverse events attributed to vandetanib include diarrhea, elevated aminotransferase, asymptomatic corrected QT interval prolongation, and hypertension. Though a number of randomized, doubleblind studies, including cutaneous adverse events attributed to vandetanib, have been reported along with these general symptoms, no case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) has been reported. This paper demonstrates a case of SJS induced by vandetanib.
Insights
Vandetanib, an oral anticancer drug, can rarely cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a severe skin reaction. This case highlights a previously unreported adverse event associated with vandetanib treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Vandetanib is an oral anticancer medication targeting key cancer signaling pathways.
- Common adverse events include diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes, QT prolongation, and hypertension.
- Previous studies have not reported Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) as an adverse event.
Observation:
- This report details a patient who developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).
- The SJS was attributed to vandetanib treatment.
- This represents a previously undocumented adverse reaction.
Findings:
- Vandetanib can induce Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).
- This finding expands the known adverse event profile of vandetanib.
- Early recognition of SJS is crucial for patient management.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for SJS with vandetanib.
- Vigilance for severe cutaneous reactions is necessary during vandetanib therapy.
- This case underscores the importance of comprehensive adverse event monitoring for targeted cancer therapies.
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