Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis in a patient receiving concurrent radiation and gemcitabine

Anticancer Drugs. 2003 Sep;14(8):659-62. doi: 10.1097/00001813-200309000-00012.

Abstract

A patient with stage IV malignant melanoma treated with daily radiotherapy and low-dose (100 mg/m2) daily gemcitabine developed a blistering skin eruption, fever and neutropenia consistent with overlap Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). The diagnosis was confirmed by skin biopsy of an affected area. The case history is described, and the literature relating to the development of SJS/TEN in association with chemotherapy and radiotherapy administration is reviewed. This report describes a serious potential complication of concurrent gemcitabine and radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / adverse effects*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Deoxycytidine / adverse effects*
  • Deoxycytidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Gemcitabine
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / drug therapy
  • Melanoma / radiotherapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / etiology*

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Deoxycytidine
  • Gemcitabine