Acanthosis nigricans-like hyperpigmentation secondary to triazinate therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Malignant brain tumors present complex treatment challenges.
• Chemotherapy agents like triazinate are used, but can cause side effects.
• Cutaneous manifestations of chemotherapy require careful monitoring and understanding.

Observation:

• Two patients with malignant brain tumors developed skin hyperpigmentation after triazinate treatment.
• The hyperpigmentation clinically resembled acanthosis nigricans.
• The skin changes resolved upon discontinuing triazinate and recurred upon its reintroduction.

Findings:

• Skin biopsy confirmed changes consistent with acanthosis nigricans in one patient.
• Decreased serum folate levels were observed in one patient, normalizing as hyperpigmentation resolved.
• These findings suggest a potential link between triazinate, folate levels, and the observed skin condition.

Implications:

• Triazinate-induced acanthosis-like hyperpigmentation is a potential adverse effect of this chemotherapy.
• Monitoring folate levels may be important in patients receiving triazinate.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanism of folate's role in this drug-induced dermatosis.