Adverse cutaneous reactions to imatinib (STI571) in Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemias: a prospective study of 54 patients.
BACKGROUND
Imatinib is a new major treatment in chronic myeloid leukemia.


OBJECTIVE
To study the cutaneous reactions induced by imatinib.


METHODS
All inpatients and outpatients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia treated by imatinib were included in this prospective study. Clinical features, pathologic findings, evolution of each case, and analysis of potential risk factors were recorded.


RESULTS
A total of 54 patients were included, 48 of whom experienced at least 1 cutaneous reaction. These reactions consisted of 36 rashes, 35 edemas, and 22 pruritus. The rash was severe in 5 patients, resulting in temporary interruption of treatment in 3. Highly significant relationships were observed between the daily dose of imatinib and both rashes and edema. In a multivariate analysis, female sex and the daily dose of imatinib were independent risk factors for the development of rashes.


CONCLUSIONS
Adverse cutaneous reactions induced by imatinib are frequent, generally moderate, and dose-dependent.
Valeyrie
Laurence
L
Department of Dermatology, Henri-Mondor Hospital (Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris), Paris XII University, F-94010 Paris Cedex, France.
Bastuji-Garin
Sylvie
S
Revuz
Jean
J
Bachot
Nicolas
N
Wechsler
Janine
J
Berthaud
Patrice
P
Tulliez
Michel
M
Giraudier
Stéphane
S
D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001549:Benzamides; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology*; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005076:Exanthema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011537:Pruritus / Q000139:chemically induced; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D010879:Piperazines; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate