A Case of Docetaxel Induced Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus.

Shin, Jung Ar; Huh, Chul Woong; Kwon, Ji Eun; Kim, Hyung Jung; Ahn, Chul Min; Chang, Yoon Soo

doi:2009.66.5.380

Tuberc Respir Dis > Volume 66(5); 2009 > Article

Case Report

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2009;66(5):380-384.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2009.66.5.380 Published online May 1, 2009.

A Case of Docetaxel Induced Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus.

Jung Ar Shin, Chul Woong Huh, Ji Eun Kwon, Hyung Jung Kim, Chul Min Ahn, Yoon Soo Chang

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. yschang@yuhs.ac
²Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

Drug-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is associated with use of the following classes of medications: anti-hypertensives, anti-cholesterolemia, anti-psychotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Docetaxel is an anti-neoplastic agent, which is widely used for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Few cases of docetaxel-induced SCLE have been reported in the medical literature. Here, we report the case of a 58-year-old female patient who developed drug-induced SCLE after administration of docetaxel. After 4 cycles of chemotherapy with docetaxel and cisplatin, erythematous skin eruptions developed on the patient's face. Skin biopsies of the eruptions were remarkable for interfacing dermatitis with basement membrane thickening. Immunofluorescent study revealed characteristic features of SCLE, including granular deposition of IgM, C3, and apoptotic bodies along the basement membrane. The skin eruptions resolved gradually after cessation of drug and with the use of topical corticosteroids.

Key Words: Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, Drug-induced lupus erythematosus, Non-small-cell lung carcinoma, Docetaxel