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Cutaneous side effects associated with sunitinib: an analysis of 8 cases
Claire Vignand-Courtin1, Caroline Martin, Christine Le Beller
1Pharmacy Unit, Beclere Hospital (AP-HP), 157 rue de la porte de Trivaux, 92140, Clamart, France. claire.courtin@abc.aphp.fr
Objective:
Sunitinib is an antineoplastic agent, specifically a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Thanks to its targeted action, this drug is relatively well tolerated. The main side effects are asthenia, gastrointestinal disturbances, and dermatological effects. The aim of our study was to collect information about dermatological side effects and assess them in patients treated with sunitinib.
Method:
A retrospective study was performed on 8 patients treated with sunitinib between January 2006 and July 2009.
Results:
Twelve different types of side effects were observed: genital lesion (9), cutaneous eruption (7), hand-foot syndrome (6), yellow discoloration of skin (4), hair depigmentation (4), xerosis (4), pigmented lesion (4), vascular lesion (3), erythema (3), splinter haemorrhage of fingernails (1), facial oedema (1), and pruritus (1). To date vascular and pigmented lesions associated with sunitinib have not been recorded in literature, genital lesions have only been described in the scrotal region. These genital lesions led to discontinuation of treatment by 4 patients in our study.
Conclusion:
Although the risk/benefit ratio is favourable for sunitinib, all health care professionals must be aware of the risk of such adverse events. When genital lesions are observed, dose adjustment is recommended. Thorough clinical examination and patient interviews are necessary to detect these effects.
Insights
Sunitinib, a targeted cancer drug, can cause various skin side effects, including genital lesions. Healthcare professionals should monitor patients for these adverse events and consider dose adjustments for genital lesions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used as an antineoplastic agent.
- It is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including asthenia, gastrointestinal issues, and dermatological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and assess dermatological side effects in patients undergoing sunitinib treatment.
- To identify and characterize previously undocumented side effects associated with sunitinib therapy.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis was conducted on 8 patients treated with sunitinib.
- Data was collected for patients who received treatment between January 2006 and July 2009.
Main Results:
- Twelve distinct side effects were observed, including genital lesions (9), cutaneous eruptions (7), and hand-foot syndrome (6).
- Notably, vascular and pigmented lesions were observed, with genital lesions leading to treatment discontinuation in 4 patients.
- Genital lesions were more widespread than previously reported in medical literature.
Conclusions:
- Despite a favorable risk/benefit profile, healthcare providers must be vigilant regarding sunitinib's adverse events.
- Dose adjustment is recommended for genital lesions, emphasizing the need for thorough clinical evaluation and patient communication.
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