Dasatinib-Induced Transverse Melanonychia

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Transverse melanonychia presents as grey to black bands on the nail plate.
• Medications can cause nail changes, but dasatinib has not been previously linked to melanonychia.
• Dasatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of transverse melanonychia potentially associated with dasatinib therapy.
• To highlight the importance of recognizing drug-induced nail changes.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 54-year-old male with CML on dasatinib therapy.
• Clinical examination and onychoscopy of fingernails and toenails were performed.
• Temporal association between dasatinib treatment and the onset of nail changes was evaluated.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with transverse pigmented lines on all fingernails and toenails.
• Onychoscopy revealed longitudinal grey lines within transverse grey bands.
• A provisional diagnosis of dasatinib-induced transverse melanonychia was made based on clinical findings and drug history.

Conclusions:

• This case suggests a possible association between dasatinib and transverse melanonychia.
• Further investigation into the mechanisms of drug-induced melanonychia is warranted.
• Monitoring for nail changes is crucial for patients receiving dasatinib treatment.