Imatinib mesylate-induced repigmentation of vitiligo lesions in a patient with recurrent gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
We report a case of vitiligo with localized repigmentation induced by imatinib mesylate. An elderly Chinese man has been characterized with recurrent gastrointestinal stromal tumors originated from interstitial cells of Cajal with gain-of-function c-kit mutation. His recurrent tumors have responded to imatinib mesylate therapy. To our surprise, his decade-long vitiligo was dramatically ameliorated by localized repigmentation, which is considered to be the side effect of imatinib mesylate. Hypopigmentation induced by imatinib mesylate with possible molecular blockage to a melanin-dependent KIT signal has been well documented; however, our case with repigmentation suggested that KIT signal of melanin formation would be much more sophisticated than we have believed.
Han
Hui
H
Department of the First Gerontology Ward, The First Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
Yu
Yang-Yang
YY
Wang
Yu-Hong
YH
D000368:Aged; D001549:Benzamides; D046152:Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D017496:Hypopigmentation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D008297:Male; D008543:Melanins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / Q000235:genetics; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D001549:Benzamides; D008543:Melanins; D010879:Piperazines; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit