Abstract
Imatinib (glivec), formerly known as STI571) effectively blocks the ATP-binding site of the bcr/abl fusion protein thereby inactivating selectively the tyrosine kinase activity of bcr/abl. Therefore, it is a promising drug in Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia showing high hematologic and cytogenetic response rates combined with a mild toxicity profile. Here we report two cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, which appeared in the photo-exposed areas in two elderly patients treated for advanced chronic myeloid leukemia with imatinib. The role of chemotherapy, chronic sun exposure and of possible additional risk factors such as human papillomavirus infection is discussed.
Publication types
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Case Reports
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Age Factors
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Aged
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Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
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Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
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Benzamides
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / etiology*
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Cocarcinogenesis
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Coronary Disease / complications
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Drug Eruptions / complications*
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Drug Eruptions / etiology
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Dyspnea / chemically induced
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Enzyme Inhibitors / adverse effects
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Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Facial Neoplasms / etiology*
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Humans
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Hydroxyurea / adverse effects
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Hydroxyurea / therapeutic use
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Imatinib Mesylate
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Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / complications
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Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / drug therapy*
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Male
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Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / etiology*
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Neoplasms, Second Primary / etiology*
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Pancytopenia / chemically induced
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Piperazines / adverse effects
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Piperazines / therapeutic use*
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Pleural Effusion / etiology
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Pyrimidines / adverse effects
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Pyrimidines / therapeutic use*
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Sunlight / adverse effects
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Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects
Substances
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Benzamides
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Enzyme Inhibitors
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Piperazines
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Pyrimidines
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Imatinib Mesylate
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Hydroxyurea