Adverse cutaneous reactions to imatinib (STI571) in Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemias: a prospective study of 54 patients.

Abstract

Imatinib is a new major treatment in chronic myeloid leukemia. To study the cutaneous reactions induced by imatinib. All inpatients and outpatients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia treated by imatinib were included in this prospective study. Clinical features, pathologic findings, evolution of each case, and analysis of potential risk factors were recorded. A total of 54 patients were included, 48 of whom experienced at least 1 cutaneous reaction. These reactions consisted of 36 rashes, 35 edemas, and 22 pruritus. The rash was severe in 5 patients, resulting in temporary interruption of treatment in 3. Highly significant relationships were observed between the daily dose of imatinib and both rashes and edema. In a multivariate analysis, female sex and the daily dose of imatinib were independent risk factors for the development of rashes. Adverse cutaneous reactions induced by imatinib are frequent, generally moderate, and dose-dependent.