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Published on: September 12, 2019
Erythema multiforme induced by sorafenib for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Masaomi Ikeda1, Tetsuo Fujita, Sumiyuki Mii
1Department of Urology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0374, Japan. ikeda.masaomi@grape.plala.or.jp
Objective:
Sorafenib is one of the few standard agents for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Although sorafenib-induced erythema multiforme is rarely reported, we evaluated the cases of erythema multiforme induced by sorafenib for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Methods:
From November 2006 to November 2011, 36 eligible patients who had been treated with sorafenib were enrolled in this study. Patients received sorafenib 200 or 400 mg orally, twice daily, at 12 h intervals, on a continuous dosing schedule. All patients who experienced rash or erythema multiforme underwent a skin biopsy, and the histopathological diagnosis was confirmed.
Results:
Twenty-eight patients (78%) experienced a skin reaction of any toxicity grade. Hand-foot skin reactions occurred in 17 (47%), erythema multiforme in 9 (25%), rash/desquamation in 6 (17%) and alopecia in 9 (25%). Skin biopsy was performed and histopathological diagnosis was confirmed for all nine patients (25%) who experienced erythema multiforme. All nine showed a positive reaction to sorafenib on a subsequent patch test.
Conclusions:
Sorafenib-induced erythema multiforme may not be rare in Japanese patients. Patients who once showed erythema multiforme after sorafenib treatment are never to be treated with sorafenib again. Patients treated with sorafenib should be monitored carefully, with a multidisciplinary approach. Consultation with a dermatologist is critical because some cases quickly become severe.
Insights
Sorafenib can cause erythema multiforme in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients. This study found it occurred in 25% of Japanese patients, necessitating careful monitoring and dermatologist consultation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sorafenib is a standard treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).
- Sorafenib-induced erythema multiforme (EM) is considered rare.
- This study investigates the incidence and characteristics of sorafenib-induced EM in mRCC patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the occurrence of erythema multiforme in patients treated with sorafenib for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
- To assess the incidence and clinical presentation of sorafenib-induced EM.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 36 patients with mRCC treated with sorafenib (200-400 mg twice daily) from 2006-2011 was studied.
- Skin biopsies were performed for patients with rash or EM, with histopathological confirmation.
- Patch testing with sorafenib was conducted for patients diagnosed with EM.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of patients (78%) experienced skin reactions.
- Erythema multiforme occurred in 9 out of 36 patients (25%).
- All nine patients with EM showed a positive reaction to sorafenib on patch testing.
Conclusions:
- Sorafenib-induced erythema multiforme may be more common than previously thought, particularly in Japanese patients.
- Patients who develop EM while on sorafenib should not be retreated with the drug.
- Close monitoring and dermatological consultation are crucial for managing sorafenib-induced skin toxicities.
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