title: Aromatase inhibitors induced autoimmune disorders in patients with breast cancer: A review.
abstract: Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is characterized by particular cutaneous manifestations such as non-scaring plaques mainly in sunlight exposed parts of the body along with specific serum autoantibodies (i.e. antinuclear antibodies (ANA), Ro/SSa, La/SSb). It is considered either idiopathic or drug induced. The role of chemotherapeutic agents in causing SCLE has been investigated with the taxanes being the most common anticancer agents. However, recent data emerging point toward antiestrogen therapies as a causative factor not only for SCLE but also for a variety of autoimmune disorders. This is a report of a case of a 42 year old woman who developed clinical manifestations of SCLE after letrozole treatment in whom remission of the cutaneous manifestations was noticed upon discontinuation of the drug. In addition, an extensive review of the English literature has been performed regarding the association of antiestrogen therapy with autoimmune disorders. In conclusion, Oncologists should be aware of the potential development of autoimmune reactions in breast cancer patients treated with aromatase inhibitors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Ioannina University Hospital, S. Niarchos Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zarkavelis
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Ioannina University Hospital, S. Niarchos Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Aristomenes
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kollas
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Ioannina University Hospital, S. Niarchos Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Eleftherios
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kampletsas
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Ioannina University Hospital, S. Niarchos Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Vasilis
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vasiliou
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Ioannina University Hospital, S. Niarchos Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Evripides
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kaltsonoudis
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Ioannina University Hospital, S. Niarchos Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Alexandros
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Drosos
authors.affiliation: Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt.
authors.forename: Hussein
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Khaled
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Ioannina University Hospital, S. Niarchos Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pavlidis
keywords: Aromatase inhibitors; Arthralgias; Breast cancer; Rheumatoid arthritis; Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus; Systemic lupus erythematosus