Multiple squamous cell carcinomas of the skin during long-term treatment with hydroxyurea.
Hydroxyurea is a chemotherapeutic agent used extensively for myeloproliferative disorders. Cutaneous side effects have been described during long-term hydroxyurea treatment. We described the occurrence of multiple squamous cell skin carcinomas in a patient treated with hydroxyurea for chronic myelogenous leukemia. The lesions were removed and the hematological therapy switched to busulfan. In a previously reported case, the development of cutaneous epithelial cancers required the discontinuation of hydroxyurea, in addition to the surgical excision of the neoplastic lesions. Since squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant cutaneous neoplasm that can metastatize, the surveillance of skin changes is advisable during hydroxyurea treatment.
De Simone
C
C
Department of Dermatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168-Roma Italy.
Guerriero
C
C
Guidi
B
B
Rotoli
M
M
Venier
A
A
Tartaglione
R
R
D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D005145:Face; D006801:Humans; D006918:Hydroxyurea / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006918:Hydroxyurea