Tuberc Respir Dis.  2009 May;66(5):380-384. 10.4046/trd.2009.66.5.380.

A Case of Docetaxel Induced Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

• Shin JA
• Huh CW
• Kwon JE
• Kim HJ
• Ahn CM
• Chang YS

• KMID: 1846402
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2009.66.5.380

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.

Keyword

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus; Drug-induced lupus erythematosus; Non-small-cell lung carcinoma; Docetaxel

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Antihypertensive Agents
Basement Membrane
Biopsy
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung
Cisplatin
Dermatitis
Female
Humans
Immunoglobulin M
Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous
Middle Aged
Skin
Taxoids
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Antihypertensive Agents
Cisplatin
Immunoglobulin M
Taxoids

Figure

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  Figure 1 Chest computed tomography showed lobulated mass in the right lower lobe (A), PET-CT showed multiple metastatic lesions in the pleura, bones, abdominal lymph nodes (B).

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  Figure 2 Erythematous rashes in the cheeks and the ridge of the nose which developed in 14 weeks after chemotherapy.

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  Figure 3 Histopathological findings showed dermatitis with basement membrane zone thickening (H&E stain, A: ×40, B: ×200), granular deposition of IgM & C3 along the basement membrane zone and apoptotic bodies (direct immunofluorescence, C: C3, D: IgM).

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