Ann Dermatol.  2013 May;25(2):229-231. 10.5021/ad.2013.25.2.229.

Psoriasis Induced by Trastuzumab (Herceptin(R))

• Kim DH
• Jeong NJ
• Im M
• Lee Y
• Seo YJ
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2171795
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2013.25.2.229

Abstract

Trastuzumab (Herceptin), a humanized monoclonal antibody, is a cancer drug developed to target the human epidermal receptor (HER) 2, which is overexpressed in some cancer cells. Cutaneous side effects, such as folliculitis, xerosis, and alopecia have not been reported with therapies targeting HER2, in spite of the frequent observances of such with the therapies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor. We experienced a patient in whom psoriasis was triggered by the trastuzumab treatment for breast cancer. She was a 57-year-old woman with erythematous and scaly plaques occurring a few months after starting trastuzumab, with repeated aggravation after the re-administration of trastuzumab for the breast cancer. Histologic examination showed the typical features of psoriasis with parakeratosis, epidermal hyperplasia, elongation of the rete ridges, and a lymphocytic and polymorphonuclear cell infiltrate in the dermis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of psoriasis triggered by trastuzumab treatment for breast cancer.

Keyword

Psoriasis; Trastuzumab

MeSH Terms

Alopecia
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
Breast Neoplasms
Dermis
Female
Folliculitis
Humans
Hyperplasia
Parakeratosis
Psoriasis
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor
Trastuzumab
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Multiple erythematous and scaly plaques on the extremities.

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  Fig. 2 Microscopic findings of a skin lesion. Parakeratosis, epidermal hyperplasia, elongation of the rete ridges, dilated capillaries in the dermal papillae, and a lymphocytic and polymorphonuclear cell infiltrate in the dermis are observed (H&E stain, ×100).

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