Cutaneous pigmentation after photosensitivity induced by vandetanib therapy.
BACKGROUND
Photosensitivity has been reported in patients who were treated with vandetanib (ZD6474), an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, and the RET (rearranged during transfection) kinases.


METHODS
We describe the occurrence of cutaneous hyperpigmentation after photosensitivity in 2 patients who were treated with vandetanib. The pigmentation patterns were variable within and between patients. Biopsy specimens from different sites revealed variability in Perls and Fontana staining patterns.


CONCLUSIONS
These 2 cases highlight the unusual occurrence of cutaneous hyperpigmentation after vandetanib-associated photosensitivity, a reaction that demonstrates that medications are important causes of acquired photosensitivity and hyperpigmentation. Aggressive photoprotection may facilitate the resolution of diffuse hyperpigmentation. Dermatologists should endeavor to identify and report novel cutaneous adverse effects as new targeted therapies are developed.
Kong
Heidi H
HH
Dermatology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bldg 10, Room 12N238, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. konghe@mail.nih.gov
Fine
Howard A
HA
Stern
Jere B
JB
Turner
Maria L Chanco
ML
D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017484:Dermatitis, Phototoxic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010880:Piperidines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D010880:Piperidines; D011799:Quinazolines; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; C452423:vandetanib
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